10 Steps to Carbon Monoxide Safety

You can't see it, smell it or taste it. It's Carbon Monoxide.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a subject that people know very little about. It can cause permanent Neurological Damage in the long term. And it can cause death, in the short term. It can make you feel ill and inhibit your life potential.

Here's what to do to protect yourself.

Please read all of the 10 Steps. These few minutes may save your life, or the life of someone you care about:

1. Check the flame colour of your appliances. If it is orange you have a problem. However, a blue flame does not necessarily mean an appliance is safe. Have your appliances checked annually and install a detector if unsure.
2. Check the flue. Is it blocked? Do you have clinging plants on your outside walls? Do you have birds nesting in your flue? Completely remove any obstructions from the flue area and fit a guard to prevent any birds nesting. Have your flue checked! Is it drawing properly? Was it fitted correctly in the first place?
3. Do you have a horizontal gas grill? Is it working correctly? Older appliances can be problematic. Have your barbeque checked.
4. Is there adequate ventilation? Inspect your air vents. Have you had insulated windows installed? If the appliances in your home do not have an adequate air supply, they may produce carbon monoxide.
5. When were your appliances last checked? Do it every year. Do not leave it to chance. Remember: a technician can only check the conditions on the day that he/she attends. Get protection year round, fit a CO detector with a low level alarm.
6. Do you suffer from unexplained illness, fatigue, muscle pains, upset stomach, lethargy, dizziness, and headaches? Go to your doctor and get a ChoB test. Go directly from your house. Do not go anywhere as the CO in your blood will deplete and may not be identified later.
7. Are you a tenant? Does your landlord annually check the appliances in your accommodation?
8. Are you a landlord? Have you scheduled CO inspections?
9. We all feel better on holidays. If you feel especially invigorated it may be that you have been removed from a source of the poison. If your health goes into decline upon your return, it may be not just be the post-holiday blues. You may have been suffering the ill-effects from being poisoned from carbon monoxide in your home.
10. The most important thing that you can do to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of you appliances. For added peace of mind consider a carbon monoxide detector alarm with a low level indicator.

For more information, please view the following pages:
Carbon Monoxide. A Hidden Hazard. Read More.
Questions? Please contact Sparling's.