Winter Warmer: Stay alert for the Silent Killer

Be aware of the risks of Carbon Monoxide poisoning

The weather outside is frightful… and the central heating is probably already on. Or you may even be throwing some logs on a cosy open fire and getting snuggled up in front of it on an icy winter’s night. As wonderful as that sounds, it’s important to be aware that the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning rises at this time of year - at home, and in the workplace.

Around 60 people die each year in England and Wales from accidental CO poisoning.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas which is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon. As a toxic gas which is both colourless, tasteless, and odourless, it can pose serious risk to health.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide poisoning can cause a range of harmful symptoms, and even death if exposure is prolonged and at high enough concentrations.

The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Disorientation
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Loss of consciousness

CO poisoning can look like a range of other illnesses including cold and flu, chronic fatigue, and hangover. That’s why it is so important to be vigilant; it’s far too easy to write the symptoms off as something else.

If other people or pets in your household seem to be suffering from similar symptoms, and you find that the symptoms lift when you go outside, you should consider CO poisoning as a possible cause.

CO Risk at Home

Carbon Monoxide can be produced by any faulty gas appliance in the home, including cookers, heaters, central heating systems, and gas fires. There is also a potential risk from open fires when chimneys and flues are not properly cleaned and maintained.

In the winter months, when we are more reliant on central heating and fires, Carbon Monoxide becomes a more significant risk.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Work

If central heating, and other types of gas appliances aren’t properly maintained, a CO leak is possible. When this happens in the workplace, it places staff at risk. It can also result in increased sickness absence among staff who may be showing signs of CO poisoning. You may find that employees feel fatigued, headachey, and nauseous regularly.

There are, of course, industries where the risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide rises significantly. Particularly in working areas which are enclosed and poorly ventilated. This includes workers who spend a lot of time in boiler rooms, refineries, and working around furnaces and ovens.

There are also certain conditions that make workers more at risk to serious side effects from CO poisoning. This includes those with anaemia, heart issues, and respiratory disease.

Staying Safe

There are a number of steps you can take, both at home and in work, to reduce the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and to protect yourself, loved ones, and employees.

1- Ensure that all rooms/ spaces have proper ventilation so that air can circulate, and CO is not allowed to build up.

2- Make sure that everyone knows the signs to watch out for, and people are alert for any indication that there might be a buildup of CO in the area.

3- Make sure you have chimneys and flues cleaned regularly.

4- Have all gas equipment maintained and serviced by a qualified engineer on a regular basis.

5- Use a suitable gas monitor that can detect levels of CO in the environment, and alert you if they rise too high.

If you would like to have a chat with us about which of our single gas monitors is best for your needs, feel free to get in touch.