The new COCAA Be Carbon Monoxide Aware website has just been launched. To access the site, click on the link or the logo below.
NEW ERA Carbon Monoxide Position Paper available to download!
Key
Facts
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Carbon monoxide is a
colourless, odourless, highly poisonous
gas that is found in carbon-based fuel
appliances
Over the last five years, there has
been a significant reduction in the
number of carbon monoxide-related incidents
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Carbon Monoxide-Related Incidents
ERA’s Position
Our ambition is for zero carbon monoxide-related fatalities on a sustainable basis.
The energy retail sector has already achieved
the Government's target to reduce
avoidable gas related carbon monoxide fatalities
by a minimum of 20% by 2010. We are now
looking to maintain and improve this downward
trend in tackling this serious issue.
Background Information
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless,
highly poisonous gas that is found in carbon-based
fuel appliances. It can kill without warning
in just a matter of hours. Carbon monoxide
(CO) can result from all fossil fuels -
not just gas fires and boilers. If you use
natural gas, heating oil, petrol, or wood
to heat your home or work area you should
be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can
include tiredness, drowsiness, headaches,
giddiness, nausea, vomiting, pains in the
chest, breathlessness, stomach pains, erratic
behaviour and visual problems. These symptoms
can mimic many common ailments and may easily
be confused as flu, or simple tiredness.
Energy suppliers run campaigns and webpages,
distribute leaflets, provide detectors and
can advise on appliance safety to raise
awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide
to their customers.
Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA)
The ERA and its members are part of a cross-industry alliance established in response to a report from the All Party Gas Safety Group. The aim of COCAA is to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide through a high profile campaign involving all stakeholders, including the Government.
COCAA's new consumer-facing website, highlighting the dangers and symptoms of CO poisoning, has just been launched. Click on the logo below to visit the site.
You are at risk from
CO Poisoning if...
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Your appliance was
poorly installed
Your appliance is not working properly
Your appliance has not been checked
for safety or maintained regularly
There is not enough fresh air in the
room
Your chimney or flue gets blocked up
You allow non-CORGI registered engineers
to install or maintain your appliance(s) |
Signs to look out
for include...
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Yellow
or brown staining around or on appliances
Pilot lights that frequently blow out
Increased condensation inside windows
Yellow rather than blue flame (apart
from flueless fires) |
If you think your
appliance is spilling Carbon Monoxide...
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Call
the Gas Emergency 24 hour hotline - 0800
111 999
Switch off the appliance and do not
reuse until remedial action has been
taken
Open all doors and windows to ventilate
the room – do not sleep in it
Visit your GP urgently and tell them
that you believe your symptoms may be
related to CO poisoning and request
either a blood and/or breath sample
Contact a CORGI registered installer
to make repairs
Energy suppliers offer carbon monoxide
detectors at reduced prices; many provide
them free of charge to older people |
What Are Others
Saying?
“I am encouraged by the outcome of
your survey of ERA members’ activities
in raising awareness about the dangers of
carbon monoxide poisoning; there has been
considerable effort to find innovative ways
in communicating effectively with consumers
and co-ordinate suppliers’ campaigns.”
Bill Calaghan, Chair, Health and Safety
Commission, 16 August 2005
“CO-Gas Safety is lobbying for the
implementation of two recommendations made
by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC)
in 2000; That the gas supply companies (the
charity would prefer the whole fuel industry)
pay a levy for publicity about the dangers
of CO and for research and, that the gas
emergency service, which has a duty to make
safe from CO as well as from natural gas,
has equipment to test for and undertakes
tests for this invisible, odourless and
silent killer”.
CO-Gas Safety website,
April 2006
Useful Links
Health and Safety Executive
CO-Gas Safety (an independent registered charity)
CO Awareness
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