'Silent killer' warning to families

HOUSEHOLDERS in Ashbourne are being warned to be on their guard against a 'silent killer'.

They are being urged to have their gas appliances serviced regularly to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

The call has come from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) following the introduction of a new gas registration scheme.

Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI from April 1 as the scheme under which anyone carrying out domestic and commercial gas work must be registered.

RoSPA is warning that carbon monoxide can build up if a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained, or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Carbon monoxide is known as the 'silent killer' because you cannot hear it, see it, taste it or smell it.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that 14 people died from CO poisoning from gas appliances in Britain in 2007-08, with a further 234 suffering health problems as a result of carbon monoxide exposure.

RoSPA advises homeowners to employ only registered gas engineers to fit new gas fires or boilers and to ask to see the installer’s identity card, checking that their capabilities (which are listed on the back of the card) include the job they want doing.

The safety charity also encourages people to have their gas boilers or fires checked every year by a registered gas engineer.

However, it points out that CO is not given off by just gas appliances - it can also result from the burning of other fuels, including wood, coal and oil.

Sheila Merrill, RoSPA home safety manager, said: “The regular servicing of all your fuel-burning appliances really is a matter of life and death.

"For gas appliances, use an engineer registered through Gas Safe Register for annual services. Consult your fuel supplier or professional heating engineer for the servicing of other fuel-burning appliances, and have your chimney or flue regularly swept.

“If you live in rented property, ask your landlord to show you the Landlord’s Gas Safety Record.

“Remember to keep rooms adequately ventilated, never block air vents and fit an audible CO alarm. Having an alarm, however, should be in addition to the other actions and should not be relied upon as the only defence against CO poisoning.”

RoSPA has previously called for health professionals to be given more information about CO poisoning. It therefore welcomes new efforts by Gas Safe Register and the Health Protection Agency to highlight to doctors the symptoms of CO poisoning.

Signs to look out for:

* Prolonged flu-like symptoms

* Gas appliances burning with orange, instead of blue, flames

* Sooty stains on or near appliances

* Excessive condensation in the room

* Coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out

Visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk for more information about Gas Safe Register and www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/carbonmonoxide/ for RoSPA advice about preventing CO poisoning.

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