Derry City Council is supporting Northern Ireland’s first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month (November) by helping to create awareness of this highly poisonous gas.
Barry Doherty, senior environmental health officer with Derry City Council, said the local authority was happy to be involved in the campaign and to assist in any way to protect the public from this potentially dangerous gas.
He explained: “Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no smell, colour or taste. It can be released by any appliance that burns oil, solid fuel, wood or gas, including boilers, if they are not properly installed and maintained.
“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to diagnose as it mimics the symptoms of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches. Everyone should be aware of its dangers and know what measures to take to protect themselves and others. Among the symptoms that can be experienced are headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness collapse or loss of consciousness.”
Mr Doherty explained it was particularly important not to ignore these symptoms particularly if other people in your home or building were having similar symptoms, or you have recently moved into your home and the symptoms disappear when you go out or on holiday but return when you come back.
He added some of the symptoms tended to be seasonal, for example headaches during the winter when the central heating is used more often.
Mr Doherty added: “All fuel burning appliances – such as heaters, boilers and cookers – should be serviced at least annually by a registered engineer. And, all chimneys and flues should be inspected annually and swept, if required, by a registered technician.
Mr Doherty said landlords were legally responsible for ensuring all gas appliances were installed correctly and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer and that landlords should ensure that all boilers, whether powered by gas or oil should be serviced once a year.
Encouraging the public to take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning, Mr. Doherty added: “if you suspect carbon monoxide is present you should follow the advice of the safety checklist – TASK. – Turn off or extinguish the heating source/appliance (if safe to do so); Air – ventilate your home by opening windows and doors, stay outside in the fresh air; Seek medical help if you feel unwell and Keep all heating sources/appliances off until serviced (or chimney/flues cleaned) by a qualified professional
“As a secondary precaution, you can install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm. You can buy one from DIY stores or supermarkets from around £20.
He concluded: “CO alarms should comply with BS EN 50291 and carry a British/European approval mark (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance guidance). Remember, while carbon monoxide alarms can help alert you to the dangers if this poisonous gas escapes they must never be regarded as a substitute for the proper installation, maintenance, servicing and cleaning of appliances that burn oil, solid fuel, wood or gas.”
Further information on this can be obtained by logging onto the Council website at http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/BuildingControl/CarbonMonoxide or speak to the Environmental Health Department on 028 71 365151.
