Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Remember These Three Important Things

Carbon monoxide alarm isolated over white

This year, Carbon Monoxide Awareness week will run between the 22nd and the 28th of September. You might hear some ad’s on the radio or see them on T.V. The main focus of the campaign this year is: Remember, Remember, Remember. That is, remember these three important things.

1.

Remember that carbon monoxide can be produced when ANY fuel is burnt. This includes oil, wood, coal and gas.

2.

Remember to ensure your appliances are installed and serviced by a registered gas installer. Also ensure vents, flues and chimneys are kept clear.  At gas service we would like to assure you that we are RGII registered.

3.

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm. If you already have a carbon monoxide alarm, make sure it is in good working order, has an end of life indicator, complies with EN 50291 and has an independent certification mark.

The Silent Killer

On average between one and two people die in Ireland each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the home related to domestic heating.

It is often referred to as the silent killer as it has no taste, smell or colour.

Remembering the three points above will help to protect your home and family from this preventable tragedy.

When a boiler is working correctly, the carbon in the fossil fuel combines with oxygen and produces Carbon Dioxide (which is what we breath normally).

The problem occurs if a boiler is faulty. Then there is a lack of air and carbon monoxide can be produced.

Exposure over a period to this substance can cause illness and in severe cases, can cause death.

Signs To Look Out For

carbonmonoxide.ie advises that we look out for the following signs which could be an indication of a faulty appliance.

  •  Staining, sooting or discolouration around the appliance
  • Appliances that burn slowly, badly (orange or ‘floppy’ flames) or go out
  • A yellow or orange flame where normally blue
  • Condensation or dampness on walls and windows in the room once the appliance is lit
  • A strange smell when the appliance is on
  • Rusting or water streaking on appliance cabinet/vent/chimney
  • Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections or guards

A boiler service once a year is a essential to maintain your boiler and make sure it is operating correctly. It is the law that any work carried out on a boiler is carried out by an RGII registered gas installer. You can access a list of Registered Gas Installers here: http://www.rgii.ie/

At Gas Services, we would like to ensure you that we are Registered Gas installers.

To arrange a boiler service, call us on 01 840 9425 or 01 490 1066.