FROM THE HEATING HELPLINE – VITAL INFORMATION ON CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
The Heating Helpline, the free advice service operated by the HVCA, has set up a dedicated section on its website providing simple, straightforward but potentially life saving advice designed to help families safeguard themselves from the dangers of CO poisoning.
10 November 2011 – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that, in England and Wales alone, causes the accidental deaths of approximately 50 people each year. Additionally, each year about 200 people are seriously injured by CO and around another 200 people are treated but not admitted to hospitals as a result of accidental CO poisoning. It is widely accepted that CO is under-diagnosed and there could well be much larger numbers of people suffering the ill effects of exposure. To help consumers, Heating Helpline, the free advice service operated by the HVCA, has set up a dedicated section on its website at http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk. This offers simple, straightforward but potentially life saving advice designed to help families safeguard themselves from the dangers of CO poisoning.
CO results from the incomplete combustion of all carbon-containing fuels: gas (domestic or bottled), coal, coke, oil, biofuel and wood. Any disruption of the burning process or shortage of oxygen can increase CO production and its accumulation to dangerous levels. More than two thirds of reported cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are connected to central heating appliances. Out of these, half are classed as “older” central heating boilers.
But it’s not just malfunctioning or poorly flued gas boilers that cause CO: stoves, fires, water heaters, paraffin heaters, room heaters, generators and even BBQs (if used in a poorly ventilated area) are all potential sources. Caravans, boats and mobile homes are also at risk as they often use portable heating and cooking appliances in confined areas.
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the HVCA, comments, “Research indicates that 23% of homes have one or more defective gas appliances and almost 1 in 10 are judged to be at risk of dangerous levels of CO. Many homeowners rely on old or inefficient boilers that may never have been serviced. The first line of defence therefore is to ensure that gas appliances (boiler, cooker or fire) and any connected flues or extraction systems in your home are regularly maintained to keep them operating in safe working order, with annual safety checks by a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer.
“A second but highly important line of defence is to fit one or more CO alarms. You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide and so fitting a European Standard certified audible carbon monoxide alarm is a low cost but potentially life saving device. CO alarms are now widely available to buy online or through electrical stores. Your local Gas Safe Registered heating engineer will also fit one for you”.
The Heating Helpline provides essential safety information and useful advice to keep your home and family out of harm’s way. To locate your local Gas Safe Registered engineer contact the free Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069 and to view the new section on CO poisoning visit: http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the HVCA by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert
Tel: 44(0)1256 472020
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010
E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Established in 1904, the HVCA is the premier organisation representing central heating contractors across the UK, and exists to promote fair dealing and the sound installation of heating systems. HVCA members all undergo third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability every three years. This process is carried out by an independent certification body with an established industry reputation. HVCA members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople. HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.
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