CO is a colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced by fuel burning appliances or vehicle engines. Mild doses can cause headaches, nausea and flu-like symptoms, higher doses can cause a coma, brain damage or death. In October 2010 the Government changed the Building Regulations for England to require a Carbon Monoxide Alarm to be installed in the same room as a solid fuel, wood burning stove or open fire for all new installations. However the legislation did not extend to existing housing stock, we would recommend the installation of a CO Alarm for all houses that have a solid fuel or woodburning appliance fitted and in use.
The
fitting of a Carbon Monoxide Detector will alert you to the dangers before they
have a chance to do harm. Fitted on the wall near the ceiling of the room the
fire is in, your CO Alarm will emit a high pitched sound when it detects an
unsafe build-up of poisonous fumes. CO Alarms should be treated in the same way
Smoke Alarms are, as a vital part of your family’s safety. However a CO Alarm
will never be a substitute for the correct and proper installation of your
appliance or open fire.
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