What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air that is found in fumes which are produced whenever a fuel is burnt, such as Natural Gas. It has the potential to build up in closed areas and become poisonous to anyone who inhales it in large quantities. Typical symptoms of CO can be headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

How do we measure and detect Carbon Monoxide?

CO is measured in Parts Per Million (PPM) against the air levels in a room and how engineers deem if levels are too high and therefor dangerous inside that room. Henri-Taylor Heating engineers use specialist equipment to inspect boiler CO levels when carrying out safety checks and also when trying to determine the source of CO in a room if we are called to a suspected CO escape.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide in your home

The most important thing you can do to minimise the risk of CO poisoning is to ensure that your gas appliances are safety checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

You can also install an accredited audible carbon monoxide detector in your home which is a good second line of defence as they emit a sound when CO is detected. However, because a CO detector’s alarm only activates once there is CO present, you should never rely on them as your sole form of prevention.

What to do if you suspect Carbon Monoxide in your property

-Turn off all gas appliances in your property to reduce any risk OR if you’re unsure on how to do this turn the gas off at the meter and call 0800 111 999 for emergency assistance with this.

-Open all doors and windows into the property to allow fresh air in and CO out and leave the area where you suspect the escape is.

-Call your local Gas Safe Registered engineer/company to come and inspect your appliances.

If you are feeling unwell then see your doctor or go to a hospital immediately so you can be checked over.

Landlords the Rules Have Changed - Oct 2022

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations have been updated for the social rented and private rented sectors.

The government has introduced new requirements on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the social rented sector and new requirements on carbon monoxide alarms in the private rented sector, which come into force on 1 October 2022.

Click the link for more info...

If you would like more information on Carbon Monoxide or if you would like us to service your gas appliance or install a CO Alarm please ‘Contact Us’ and we would be happy to help.

Areas we cover include Bexley, Bromley, Dartford and Croydon. Please check out Areas We Cover to see if we have gas engineers near you now!