Warning signs of Carbon Monoxide

Boilers, hobs and fires can fail quickly and without warning. You may not have time to notice any problems or react, as high levels of CO can kill very quickly. There is no substitute for an audible alarm.

However, signs which may indicate carbon monoxide emission include:

• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except for ‘coal effect’ fires)
• Soot or yellow/brown staining around appliances
• Pilot lights that frequently blow out
• Increased condensation on windows

Bad ventilation / good ventilation

Carbon Monoxide poisioning can happen if:

• your appliance was poorly installed
• your appliance is not working properly
• your appliance has not been checked or maintained regularly
• there is not enough fresh air in the room
• your chimney or flue gets blocked up
• you allow an engineer who is not on the Gas Safe or OFTEC register to install or maintain your appliances(s)

In an emergency…

• Open all doors and windows
• Shut off the gas supply at the meter (if you can find it) and leave the property
• Call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999