Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Nationally, every year, about 20 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gas systems that haven't been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. When gas or other fossil fuels, like coal, wood or oil, don't burn properly, too much CO is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly, without warning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can develop very quickly or over a number of days or months.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- A headache - this is the most common symptom
- Feeling sick and dizzy
- Feeling tired and confused
- Being sick and having stomach pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:
- Switch off all your gas appliances and don't use them again until the problem has been fixed
- Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve - if gas continues to escape, call the Gas Emergency Freephone Number on 0800 111 999
- Open the windows and doors to ventilate the room - and don't sleep in it
- Seek medical advice at once
- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to check all your gas appliances, for Southwark Council installed appliances, call the housing repairs call centre on 0800 952 4444
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
The best way to protect yourself is to have all gas and fossil fuel appliances and flues/chimneys serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Advice for council tenants or council leaseholders
National Gas Safe advice for private residents
You should also:
- Make sure there's enough fresh air in the room containing your gas appliance
- Ensure chimneys/flues aren't blocked and vents aren't covered
- Get your chimney swept from top to bottom at least once a year by a qualified sweep
- Fit carbon monoxide alarms to your property, and regularly test these.
