HOMEOWNERS WARNED OF THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF USING PORTABLE GENERATORS WHEN THEIR POWER GOES DOWN
The recent deaths of a Sussex couple from carbon monoxide poisoning is a warning of what can happen if homeowners use portable generators when their power goes down. B&ES, who run the free Carbon Monoxide Helpline, issue some timely advice on how to keep out of harm’s way from ‘the silent killer’.
16 January 2014 – The violent storms of the last few weeks have left thousands of homes without power. The recent deaths of a Sussex couple from carbon monoxide poisoning is a warning of what can happen if homeowners use portable generators when their power goes down. Ken and Dorothy Swallow were found by family members at their Hurstpierpoint home having succumbed to carbon monoxide fumes from a generator left running overnight following a power cut.
Commenting on this tragic incident, Roderick Pettigrew, Chief Executive of B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association, said, “When power goes down following a severe storm we urge homeowners to take extra safety precautions if they use a portable generator. Whilst they can be useful to provide temporary power there is a risk from carbon monoxide poisoning if they are used is an enclosed or poorly ventilated area. Never run a generator inside your home or even in an attached garage or porch and don’t run them too close to a door or window.
“Remember that with carbon monoxide there are no warning signs – it’s a deadly gas that’s invisible and odorless. Similarly, do not use kerosene heaters in small or unventilated rooms and never use gas ovens or cookers to provide heat.”
Mr Pettigrew goes on to say that an important defence against carbon monoxide poisoning is to have one or more carbon monoxide alarms fitted. Widely available to buy online or from DIY and electrical stores and typically costing under £30, they can help detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the home.
B&ES operates the free Carbon Monoxide Helpline – for more advice call the Helpline on 0800 810 8464 or visit their website at: http://www.cohelpline.org.
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Issued on behalf of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) 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
Since its formation in 1904, B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association (formerly the HVCA) has represented the interests of companies engaged in a wide range of building and engineering services including domestic heating and renewable technologies.
B&ES members are subject to regular, third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability, carried out by an independent certification body at least every three years.
B&ES 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.
B&ES operates the Carbon Monoxide Helpline (http://www.cohelpline.org) to provide consumers with advice about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and how to keep out of harm’s way from this “silent killer”.
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