Carbon monoxide advice

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you can’t see, hear, smell or taste.

It can be produced by anything that burns carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood, coal, petrol or diesel. CO can affect anyone so, it’s important to know the symptoms to look out for.

If you think you’ve been exposed to CO and are showing any of the symptoms, you should seek medical help.

Mild	Medium	Extreme
Slight headache	Severe headache	Unconsciousness
Nausea	Confusion/forgetful	Convulsions
Vomiting	Drowsiness	Cardio respiratory failure
Fatigue	Severe headache	Death

Quick links

Know the signs of CO

There are several signs to look out for that could mean CO is present including:

Flames look lazy and are yellow or orange rather than blue. (Except fuel-effect fires or fuel-less appliances that display orange flames).
Soot or yellow-brown staining around an appliance.
Increased condensation on windows.
Pilot light frequently blows out.

If you spot any of these signs it doesn’t mean that there is CO present, but it might be best to get your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

You can find one at www.gassaferegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500.

If you suspect a leak, call us immediately on 0800 111 999*.

How to reduce the risk

Do:

Purchase a carbon monoxide alarm that alerts you to the presence of CO and make sure it's positioned correctly and tested regularly.
Book an annual service for your gas appliances and ensure they are installed correctly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Visit gassaferegister.co.uk to find an engineer near you.
Check your flues and get chimneys swept at least once a year by a registered professional.

Don't:

Block or obstruct any fixed ventilation, grilles or air vents - This is important to consider if you are having any building works or extensions done to your property.
Cover or block outside flues or chimneys.
Use any gas appliances that you suspect aren't working properly.
Use pots and pans that are too big for your hob. It stops oxygen reaching the flame.

A CO alarm could save your life

A CO alarm is the best way to alert you that CO is present. Make sure your CO alarm complies with British Standards BS EN50291-1. Look for the BSI Kitemark logo and purchase your alarms from a reputable retailer.

Where to place your CO alarm

Always check and follow manufacturer’s instructions when placing and testing the alarm. But here are a few points to keep in mind:

Place the alarm at door height, between 1-3 meters away from a fuel-burning appliance.
Don’t place the alarm too close to any appliance that produces a flame.
Don’t put the alarm in enclosed areas or near windows, doors or ventilation equipment

It’s important to regularly test your CO alarm, ideally at least once a month. Remember to pay close attention to the alarm’s battery life and when it will need replacing. Many CO alarms have an expiry date marked on them.

What to do if you suspect CO

Open all doors and windows

Move outside into fresh air

Call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999*

If you're a user of British Sign Language (BSL) you can call the National Gas Emergency number using the SignLive service. This service gives you access to an online interpreter enabling, you to communicate with us using sign language.