Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (chemical symbol CO) is a poisonous gas that has no smell, colour or taste. The fact that is it hard to detect and can kill in less than three minutes has earned it the name 'The Silent Killer'. Carbon monoxide can be released by any appliance that burns oil, solid fuel, wood or gas. This includes boilers, if they have not been properly installed and/or maintained and regularly tested.

How can you protect against CO?
Arrange for your boilers and any other fuel burning appliances to be serviced every year by a qualified engineer (registered with the appropriate organisation - Gas Safe or RGII).

1) Buy and install an audible CO alarm with the following standards:

• Compliance with EN 50291
• BS Kitemark
• ‘End Of Life’ Indicator. This is an option available on some alarms and is separate to a fault or battery indicator. The end of life indicator displays when the unit has come to the end of its life, and should therefore be replaced. The life expectation varies for each device, but your documentation with the unit will give an approximate time.

2) Ensure your home is well ventilated. You can do this by:

• Never blocking vents
• Keeping chimneys clear
• Never running engines in enclosed or confined spaces

Read more information on the dangers of carbon monoxide and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week by visiting www.carbonmonoxide.ie.

You can stay up-to-date with further info and activities throughout Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Follow the conversation online using the hashtag #COAwarenessWeek