Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Tragically around fifty people a year in the United Kingdom lose their life due to carbon monoxide poisoning. It is known as the silent killer, as you can not see or smell it. It is also said that over two hundred people a year fall ill and suffer various health problems due to carbon monoxide poisoning as well. Faulty boilers can actually be fatal and is a leading cause for people who have been tragically poisoned this way. That is why it is essential that you get your boiler serviced at least once a year by a registered, gas safe engineer.

A carbon monoxide detector / alarm is one of the best way to detect CO. It is essential you get a detector that emits a very high-pitched, loud sound, so in the event of a leak, you can hear the danger. There are other signs as well that you should look out for.

- Gas fires that you mind great difficulty in lighting

- A blocked chimney or a blocked flue

- The gas flames are burning an orange / yellow colour, instead or a clear blue colour

Trustworth Plumbing does not want you to take any risks. If you suspect there is a leak, then call us immediately on 07951538977. We respond to emergency situations like this very quickly. We also advise you to run through a checklist or possible symptoms for poisoning. We do recommend that if you suffer any of the following you should seek immediate medical attention / help:

- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Suffered A Loss In Consciousness Or Have Suddenly Collapsed

What you should also watch out for is any of these symptoms that disappear or suddenly improve when you leave your home. If you go out and feel better but come home and feel worse, alarm bells should start ringing.

If you have a pet and they start suddenly having the same symptoms as you (highlighted in the list above), then there is a strong possibility, carbon monoxide poisoning could be the culprit. Turn your attention to an old Daily Mail article which highlights people who have suffered serious health problems due to carbon moxide poisoning.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

Obviously we have said that you should get a regular boiler service at least once every twelve months. You should also include all your gas appliances in that list to be checked by a fully qualified engineer (water heaters, gas fires and ovens / hobs). You should always make sure that you never ever block ventilation to gas appliances (likes stoves and fires).

Landlords & Gas Safety

If you are a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that you have an up to date landlord gas safety certificate. All gas appliances must be checked by a fully qualified gas engineer and pass all the test requirements. Then you can officially be issued a gas safety certificate. You should always look out for the welfare of your tenants, as carbon monoxide is a killer. You are also required by law to renew your certificate every twelve months.

Trustworth Plumbing provide Landlord Gas Safety Certificates checks in London. Call us on 020 8670 4443 to arrange for one of our qualified engineers to visit.