CORGI HOMEPLAN
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Keeping you and your family safe from carbon monoxide is CORGI HomePlan’s number one priority.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to arm you with everything you need to know about this
potentially deadly gas. Knowing the dangers can save your life.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas and, as such, it is very difficult to detect
and can easily be inhaled without you realising. Being exposed to high concentration levels can kill
quickly and without warning. According to NHS statistics, every year in the UK more than 200
people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and around 40 people die. The
effects can also include other severe long term health risks such as brain damage.
The symptoms
The main effects to look out for are:
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Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Breathlessness
Collapse
Loss of consciousness
These symptoms are very easy to mistake for flu, food poisoning, viral infections and simply
tiredness, but carbon monoxide is potentially far more dangerous. If your symptoms only occur at
home and they disappear or get better when you leave home, then this may indicate a carbon
monoxide leak. Also, if other members of your household suffer from similar symptoms at the same
time this could also indicate a leak.
The most common cause of a carbon monoxide leak is from incorrectly installed or poorly maintained
household appliances – such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers. A blocked flue or
chimney can also cause carbon monoxide levels to rise to lethal concentrations in an enclosed space.
The danger zones
According to information released by the Health and Safety Executive, in the last three years, an
estimated one in six homes inspected by the Gas Safe Register has been found to have an unsafe gas
appliance and one in 11 has an unsafe boiler.
A badly fitted or maintained boiler, or or one with a blocked or leaky flue, is a serious hazard to you
and your family. If left unchecked, this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and even
explosions. Likewise, gas appliances such as cookers and fires are all potential risks for a carbon
monoxide leak.
This is why you should always ensure all gas appliances are installed by a Gas Safe registered
engineer and you regularly inspect your boiler for signs of wear and tear. Some of the warning signs
to look out for on your gas appliance or boiler are.
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The flame should be crisp and blue. Yellow or orange flames means it should be checked
Dark, sooty staining surrounding it
The flame frequently going out
Increased condensation inside windows
Research conducted by CORGI HomePlan in 2015 revealed that people are far less vigilant about
carbon monoxide on holiday than when at home. 45% of people cook in their tent or awning, one in
five have used a fuel burning appliance to heat their tent and a staggering 17% of people have brought
a charcoal or gas BBQ inside the tent. Cooking appliances should only be used in well ventilated
spaces and never taken indoors afterwards. Even if they are cold to the touch they can still be emitting
the deadly fumes and left in an enclosed place such as tent or caravan can quickly rise to fatal levels.
What to do if you think you have a carbon monoxide leak
If you suspect you or anyone in your house has inhaled carbon monoxide, it is important that you get
fresh air immediately. Turn off the appliance and leave the house. If you think you are in danger, ring
the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 11 999. You should seek medical attention as soon as
possible – visit your GP or go to the hospital as soon as possible – let them know that you suspect
carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you know you have a leak, don’t attempt to fix this yourself. You need to have a Gas Safe
registered engineer to inspect your gas appliances or flues to see if there is a dangerous problem. All
the engineers in CORGI HomePlan’s nationwide network are there to ensure you get the highest
possible quality service and your home is kept completely safe. They will perform a thorough service
on your boiler and gas supply, including several tests and checks to ensure that the appliance is
operating safely.
Why should you get a carbon monoxide alarm?
As carbon monoxide is completely undetectable by smell or taste, it is vital for you and your family’s
safety that you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in your home. You are particularly at risk when
sleeping so it is essential you use an audible variety that is capable of waking you.
They can be purchased from your local DIY store or supermarket and are easily installed and checked
following the manufacturer's instructions. They work as an early warning system similar to a smoke
detector and can be easily taken with you on camping trips or caravan holidays.
Maintaining your carbon monoxide alarm
CO alarms can save lives but they also have a life of their own, which means you’ll need to replace
yours every 5-7 years.
Regularly checking your batteries are in working order will make sure that you know your alarm is
keeping you and your family safe until it’s time to replace it.
Taking these steps will give you peace of mind that you have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm,
however the only really test is upon exposure to the gas. If you’ve read through the tell-tale signs,
you’ll be able to know when to put your alarm to the test and act quickly.
Emergency Numbers
If you smell gas or you think there has been an escape of other fumes such as carbon monoxide, call
the FREE 24 HOUR national EMERGENCY number on 0800 111 999
Gas Safe Register from www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk, or call 0800 408 5500