You are here: Home ยป Blog

Recognising A Good Gas Flame

Written by on

flame picture

A correct gas flame picture can be a good indicator of how your gas appliance is burning. A good flame will be sharp and blue, especially right next to the burner. Some yellow colouring can be ok at the top of the flame as this can be caused by different reasons. However, if you are noticing yellow/ orange at the bottom of the flame then get checked for Carbon Monoxide as the appliance could be emitting CO gases into the air.

Obviously, you cannot really totally on the flame picture and having a Carbon Monoxide Alarm installed is the most important decision you can make.

 

It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestShare on Reddit

Written by on

 

Great Safety video from Wales and West. Watch this and be sure you understand what to look for with the effects of CO poisoning.

It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestShare on Reddit

Family’s lucky escape after carbon monoxide alarm saves their lives

Written by on
A FAMILY of six in Poole had a lucky escape after a leaking gas fire activated a carbon monoxide detector.
Firefighters and an ambulance were called to the home in Herbert Avenue last Thursday evening where two adults and four young children were found to be suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“This incident could have had a very different outcome,” said Dave Graham, head of projects and standards at Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.
“The carbon monoxide alarm literally saved the lives of this young family.”
Each received precautionary medical checks from paramedics at the scene and a Transco engineer isolated the gas supply. The crew from Poole Fire Station ventilated the property before using gas monitoring equipment to ensure it was safe and carrying out a home safety check.
“It is often called ‘the silent killer’ – carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell and can be produced by appliances that use gas, wood, oil or coal,” he said.
“The fumes are potentially fatal and even at low-levels can cause lasting damage to your health. It’s vital to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home as well as having a working smoke alarm.”
Source http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/13840008.Family_s_lucky_escape_after_carbon_monoxide_alarm_saves_their_lives/
It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestShare on Reddit

The Silent Killer

Written by on

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer. This deadly gas put around 200 people into
hospital every year and is known to cause approximately 40 deaths per year but this is only the
confirmed number but it could be higher as there will be cases that occur that are not reported.

So what is carbon monoxide?

It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that, due to its make up is incredibly difficult to detect.
The most common cause of the gas being in a breathable environment is faulty or unmaintained
appliances around the home. These appliances include cookers, boilers and heaters. Carbon monoxide
poisoning can occur in areas outside of the home due to portable devices that can be found in caravans,
boats and also mobile homes.

It only takes a low level of carbon monoxide to cause symptoms that include headaches, nauses and
trouble concentrating. Quite often the symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic those of a virus such as flu
which can be a deadly mistake. With increased exposure a person can expect to feel delirious, have an
increased heart rate and also start having hallucinations. It is important to note that symptoms can develop
and continue over a long period of time. Slightly higher levels can cause death within only a few minutes/

If at anytime you so being to feel unwell that you should consider CO poisoning and think about asking
yourself a few questions. Firstly check if anyone else in the house is effected. If you have any pets, check to
see if they are unwell. If you leave your house do the symptoms wear off? Take a quck look around any
appliances such as fires, boilers and cookers to see if there are any sooty stains. If you can check any
flames that see if you have a yellow flame rather than a nice blue one.
If you notice any of these things, then immediately turn off any appliances, open windows and vacate the
premises. Contact the national gas emergency service and wait outside untill they arrive. If you still feel
very unwell, get medical attention, In the future, remember to fit an alarm that will detect carbon monoxide.

It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestShare on Reddit

Corfu Carbon Monoxide Tragedy

Written by on

This tragedy has recently been in the news with the tour operator Thomas Cook breaching the duty of care that it owed to the family.

The family, 2 adults and 2 children were overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty boiler at the resort which they were staying in Corfu on a Thomas Cook holiday. Unfortunately the 2 children died from the poisonous gas.

This article is not to put blame in any particular party or cast any kind of judgement but to bring attention to the dangers wherever we are, not just in our own household.

When we book a holiday, or stay in a hotel, for the majority of us, the last thing on our mind is any safety concerns. We are too busy enjoying the environment and our holiday time to think about any potential dangers. I am sure most of us, when booking a holiday through a well known travel operator or into a recognised hotel, expect to be safe and have the belief everything is checked to the highest standard.

In certain countries, the safety standards are more lax when compared to the U.K. and I am sure regular checks are made at the hotels to see if they pass tour operator standards.

Obviously, in this care those checks have somehow failed. I think this is a wake up call for all of us to not just believe everything must be alright.

Although tragedies like this are uncommon, deaths from carbon monoxide do occur and there have been many reported in recent years, not just in the home, but on boats, in tents and in hotels.

When planning a hoilday, we believe it is a good idea to think about your own safety and not just rely on a companies own checks. What we suggest is taking some kind of carbon monoxide detection with you. This does not necessarily need to be a battery powered alarm but perhaps a colour changing spot alarm. They are small, light and can be easily taken on holiday. One or two of these left in the room and checked a couple of times a day when you enter. This will give you and your family an advanced warning and perhaps we can avoid any unnecessary deaths in the future.

It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on Google+Pin on PinterestShare on Reddit