Gas & Safety
Everything you need to know about Carbon Monoxide and Gas safety
Keeping your family safe is our number one priority at British Gas. Understanding the dangers around Carbon Monoxide can save lives.
Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is very difficult to detect as you cannot see, smell or taste it. You may not be aware of its presence until it is too late as Carbon Monoxide has no taste, smell or colour.
- High levels of Carbon Monoxide exposure can prove to be fatal, even low exposure can cause lasting damage.
- Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer as around 30* people die each year from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and many more are seriously injured. For more information, visit the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA).
The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to flu. If you are suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning you may suffer from: Headaches, Nausea, General lethargy, Dizziness, Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better when you are away from the area. See Paul Leary's story here
Asking yourself some basic questions may help you to assess the situation:
- Is more than one person in the house affected?
- Do the symptoms ease or disappear when you are away from the house, e.g. on holiday, but recur on returning home?
- Are the symptoms related to the use of a fuel burning appliance?
- Are the symptoms worse in winter, when the heating is in use?
All appliances that burn wood or fossil fuels can emit Carbon monoxide.
- Carbon Monoxide is produced when these fuels are burned without sufficient air or ventilation. That's why it is often produced by appliances that have been incorrectly installed or maintained.
- If you have an oil, gas or wood burning boiler, fire, water heater or cooker you should fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
Carbon Monoxide is difficult to detect but there are some simple signs to look out for:
- Staining, sooting or discoloration on or around your gas boiler, fire and water heater.
- Keep air vents in doors, walls or windows clear and make sure your chimney or flue isn't blocked.
- Check pilot lights and other gas flames that normally burn blue. If the flame changes to yellow or orange, CO might be present.
- Have your appliances and flues checked each year.
If you believe you or any of your family are suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning please consult your doctor immediately.
Living in a rented property?
For more information on your rights as a tenant click here
As a tenant, please be aware that it is your landlords responsibility to:
- Ensure that all gas appliances that they own and installation pipework for the rented property are as safe as possible.
- Arrange for a Gas Safe registered (formerly CORGI registered) business such as British Gas to repair any faulty appliances.
- Arrange annual safety checks on all gas appliances that they own in the property, again by a Gas Safe registered (formerly CORGI registered) business such as British Gas
- Keep a record of all safety checks, and provide you with a copy of the record
To find out more about our range of Landlord services click here
Gas Emergency Services
If you notice anything wrong regarding your gas appliances, STOP USING THE APPLIANCE IMMEDIATELY, ventilate your home and call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999 (24 Hrs). You should also seek medical advice.
Find out moreGas Appliance Care
For maintenance of your Gas appliances and Safety checks, British Gas can keep your home safe from Carbon Monoxide
Find out moreCarbon Monoxide Alarms
To have a Carbon Monoxide alarm delivered directly to your door for only £29.99. Call us today on 0800 2 944 430
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