Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.

Carbon monoxide is released when faulty appliances start leaking, Low exposure over a period of time can cause long-term damage, and high levels of exposure can be fatal. Every year around 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning with many more falling sick.

You can also find out more at CO Be Alarmed

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide exposure

They are very similar to the flu; headaches, nausea, dizziness and general feeling tired. Look out for these symptoms that then get better when you leave the area.

Things to look out for:

• Do you notice the symptoms when you use a fuel burning appliance?
• Do these symptoms stop when its turned off or you leave the area?
• Are they worse in winter when you have the heating on?
• Is there more than one person in the house with these symptoms?

If you do think that you or someone you know might be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, please get in touch with your doctor as soon as you can.

How to stop it happening

Here are our safety tips:

• Get appliances checked at least every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Keep any air vents in your doors, walls and windows clear
• Make sure there are no blockages in your chimney or flue
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm – this is like a smoke detector and will make a noise if it detects carbon monoxide You can buy one for under £20 from your local DIY store and are easy to fit!

How to spot if an appliance is leaking carbon monoxide

• Look for stains, soot or discolouration on or around your boiler, fire or water heater
• Check the pilot light on your boiler including any other flames that are normally blue. If they look yellow or orange then there might be an issue. You need to get this checked out.

If you live in rented accommodation, it’s your landlord responsibility to make sure that all appliances are safe.

If you think there might be a leak call:

Emergencies only: 0800 111 999

Advice line: 0800 300 363

Information line: 0800 408 5500

By having a gas safety check regularly, you’ll be able to reduce the risk of Carbon Monoxide. All gas appliances and related gas fittings should be checked and serviced every 12 months.

You may be eligible for a gas safety check free of charge, as an Economy Energy customer. To qualify, you’ll need to own your home, be on a means-tested benefit, have not had a gas safety check in the last 12 months, and either:

• live in a household with at least one child under five; or
• are of pensionable age, are disabled or are chronically sick, either:
• living alone; or
• living with others who are all of pensionable age, are disabled, chronically sick or are under 18-years-old.
• If you rent your property, contact your landlord as it is their responsibility to ensure that yearly checks are carried out.

 Gas safety checks will be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe Register engineer, and include checks on the safety of gas appliances and other gas fittings linked to the gas meter.

 For a gas appliance, this will include an examination of:

• the effectiveness of any flue
• the supply of combustion air
• its operating pressure or heat input, or where necessary, both
• its operation to ensure safe functioning
• If one of your gas appliances fails the safety check, it will be ‘condemned’ and labelled as not safe. You should not use this appliance until it’s repaired or replaced by a qualified Gas Safe Register Engineer — find out more here.

If you’re signed up to our Priority Services Register or PSR and are classified as a ’vulnerable customer‘ (are of state pensionable age, have a disability, are visually impaired, have hearing difficulties or are chronically ill), you could be eligible for a free gas safety check.

For any questions or concerns about the safety of your gas supply or any appliances, please contact our Priority Services Team on 0333 103 9053.