Inhaling carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless and odourless gas, can be fatal. It is produced during the burning of fuels like gas, oil, wood and coal. Because of this, it’s crucial to have a CO detector in your home to warn you when there is a Carbon Monoxide leakage from one of your appliances.
Carbon monoxide: What is it?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is created when fuels are burned. Gas appliances like boilers, gas fires, ovens and water heaters are a few places where it can be found. In addition to natural gas burning appliances, anything that burns solid fuels can also create CO. Because CO can replace oxygen in the body, it can cause tissue damage and even death in people.
Statistics for CO poisoning incidents in the UK
Around 50 people per year die from CO poisoning, and an additional 4,000 require emergency care, according to the UK government. The most vulnerable populations to CO poisoning are the young, old, and those with heart and lung conditions.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flue-like symptoms
- dizziness
- feeling sick or being sick
- feeling weak
- confusion
- chest and muscle pain
- shortness of breath
In severe cases CO poisoning can cause death, brain damage, and unconsciousness. It is crucial to get medical help right away if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms and believes that CO poisoning may be to blame.
How to prevent CO poisoning
You can take a number of precautions to avoid CO poisoning in your home, including:
- Maintain and service fuel burning appliances safely. This includes maintaining them routinely, using them in accordance with the directions of the manufacturer, and making sure they are properly ventilated.
- Ventilate areas where CO can build up properly. This includes ensuring that there is adequate ventilation in any room where a gas appliance is being used, keeping windows and doors open when using open fires and fireplaces.
- Check flues and vents on a regular basis to make sure they are clean, functional and clear of blockages
- Install a CO detector in your home and follow all CO safety rules and regulations issued by the regulatory body. This includes installing a CO detector in every room with a fuel burning appliance.
What CO detector should I choose
There are various CO detectors available on the market with a variety of features. Some factors to consider when choosing the type of carbon monoxide alarms include:
Battery operated: convenience of use, unpack and you are ready to go.
Plug in with Battery back up: These detectors are typically small and easy to install, as they simply plug into a standard electrical outlet.
Long life sealed battery CO detectors: Typically long life and guaranteed to last 7 or 10 years. These tend to be more expensive but have the added benefit of not requiring a replacement battery
Mains Wired CO detector: These are wired into the electrical installation and while they have a battery back up in case of power failures they do not rely on batteries.
Combined CO detectors and Smoke Alarms: Convenience of installing a single alarm in a space where both a smoke alarm and CO alarm is required. These can be mains wired and battery operated.
Interlinked Carbon Monoxide alarms: These can be interlinked with other alarms within a large property or as part of a shared communal system in a building for added security.
What are the benefits of 10 year carbon monoxide (CO) alarms?
A 10 year CO alarm provides ongoing protection against CO poisoning, which can occur when a person is exposed to high levels of CO in the air. The benefits include:
- Long-lasting protection: A 10 year CO alarm includes a built-in, long-life battery that lasts the entire 10-year lifespan of the alarm, eliminating the need to replace batteries or deal with power outages.
- Reduced maintenance: Because a 10 year CO alarm is designed to last for 10 years, there is a less likelihood for faults or needing to be replaced. The Carbon Monoxide alarm however should be tested on a monthly basis as per the regulations.
- Simple installation: Many 10 year CO alarms are designed to be simple to install, requiring no wiring or special tools.
- Cost-effective: 10 year CO alarms are a long-term cost-effective solution because they do not require frequent replacement or battery changes.
It is important to note that even with a 10 year CO alarm, gas appliances and equipment must be serviced and checked on a regular basis by a qualified professional to reduce the risk of CO poisoning.
What to do in case of CO poisoning in the UK
Follow these steps if your CO detector goes off or you think you or someone else might have CO poisoning:
- Get out of the property right away. Do not try to turn off appliances or open windows, as this could cause a backdraft and raise the risk of CO poisoning.
- Call the free National Gas Helpline at 0800 111 999 right away if you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide.
Common CO producing appliances
Appliances that can cause carbon monoxide include:
- gas boilers and water heaters
- back boilers
- gas cookers and clay ovens
- gas or paraffin heaters
- wood, gas and coal fires
- portable generators
- vehicles in closed spaces
- bbqs and camping stoves
What to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning
If you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning:
- stop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide (such as a boiler, cooker or heater) if you can
- open any windows and doors to let fresh air in
- go outside
- get medical advice as soon as possible – do not go back into the affected building until you have got advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at risk for CO poisoning?
The most vulnerable individuals to CO poisoning are the young, old, and those with heart and lung conditions. However, exposure to high levels of the gas can cause CO poisoning in anyone.
What should I do if my CO detector goes off?
If your CO detector goes off or you think you or someone else might have CO poisoning, get everyone out of the property right away and call 999. Seek medical attention as soon as possible
How often should I replace the batteries in my CO detector?
It is generally recommended to replace the batteries in your CO detector every 6-12 months depending on the model. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.
Do Co detectors have an expiry date?
Yes, CO detectors have a limited lifespan and will expire after a certain period of time. These can typically range from 5- 10 years and a label should be visible on the side or the back of the detector. If the label isn’t visible and the date cannot be confirmed then it should be immediately replaced. It is important to replace your CO detector once it reaches the end of its lifespan to ensure that it is working correctly.
How often should I replace my CO detector?
CO detectors should be replaced before the end of their expiry dates or in the event of a fault or malfunction.
How can I test my CO detector?
Most CO detectors have a test button that allows you to test the alarm by pressing or holding for a few seconds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your detector. You can also test your CO detector by using a CO gas tester which is available at most DIY shops or online
Can I install a CO detector myself?
Yes. You can install a CO detector yourself in most cases, especially battery operated options. For mains wired options you should consult a qualified electrician
Are CO detectors required by law in the UK?
CO detectors are now currently required by law in all rooms that contain a fuel burning appliance, except gas cookers.
Can CO detectors prevent CO poisoning?
CO detectors can tell you if there could be dangerous levels of CO in your home. This can help keep you from getting poisoned. But it’s also important to take other precautions such as servicing appliances and equipment that give off CO the right way and letting enough air into places where CO can build up to ventilate.
Can I use a smoke detector as a CO detector?
No. Smoke alarms and CO alarms are not the same thing. Smoke alarms are designed to detect the presence of smoke or fire while CO alarms are specifically designed to detect Carbon Monoxide.
Can CO detectors detect other gases or natural gas leaks?
No. CO detectors are specifically designed to detect Carbon Monoxide and will not detect other gases or pick up natural gas leaks.
Can I use a CO detector outside my home?
No, CO detectors should only be used inside your home, CO detectors are not designed to be used outdoors and may not function properly in an outdoor environment.
Can I use a CO detector in my garage?
Yes. It’s a good idea to install a CO detector in your garage if you have a fuel burning appliance or vehicle stored there.
Can CO detectors detect CO from a neighbouring property?
No, CO detectors are only designed to detect CO within the immediate area where they are installed. They will not detect CO from a neighbouring property.
Can I use a CO detector in a business premises?
Yes, CO detectors can be used in places like restaurants, offices, shops and schools where gas appliances are installed. In these places, it’s important to follow government rules with regards to safety at work and guidelines about CO safety.
Can CO detectors detect CO from cigarettes?
No, CO detectors aren’t sensitive enough to pick up CO from candles. CO detectors are made to find dangerously high levels of CO in the air.
Can CO detectors detect CO from candles?
No, CO detectors are not sensitive enough to pick up CO from candles. CO detectors are designed to detect high levels of CO that can hurt people.
Can CO detectors detect CO from a open fireplace?
Yes, CO detectors can pick up CO from a fireplace if the gas is close to where the detector is set up. It’s important to make sure your fireplace has enough air flow and that you use it safely