If you smell gas at home
Watch out for any of the warning signs that your appliance is not functioning properly:
IF YOU DETECT ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, HAVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN EXAMINE THE UNIT FOR SAFETY.
You can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at home if dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home. This can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following:
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu and may include:
What to Do?
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide. Approximately half of the deaths from unintentional CO poisoning result from the inhalation of smoke from fires. Other significant causes are vehicle exhausts and deaths in industrial/commercial settings. On average between 1 and 2 people die each year in Ireland from unintentional CO poisoning in the home in incidents related to domestic heating or other fossil fuel installations in the home (i.e. excluding the inhalation of smoke from fires).The incomplete combustion of organic fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal is a common environmental source of CO and is responsible for many cases of non-fatal unintentional CO poisoning.
In normal conditions the combustion process (the addition of oxygen) will result in carbon in the fossil fuel, combining with oxygen in the air, to produce Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the same substance we exhale when we breathe. However, if there is a lack of air for the combustion process or the heating appliance is faulty, Carbon Monoxide can be produced.
When CO is inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. If a person is exposed to CO over a period, it can cause illness and even death. Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour. This is why it is sometimes called the "Silent Killer".
Carbon Monoxide alarms can be used as a backup to provide a warning to householders in the event of a dangerous build-up of CO. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR REGULAR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF APPLIANCES, VENTS, FLUES AND CHIMNEYS.
For more information please visit http://www.carbonmonoxide.ie/
DOs
DON’Ts
What you should know about gas appliance servicing, installation and repair:
What is a Registered Gas Installer (RGI)?
An RGI is an installer who has at least a GID (Gas Installer Domestic) qualification or equivalent in gas safety which makes him/her competent to carry out gas works. He/She will also have a valid insurance and will have paid the annual subscription fee which entitles him/her to be on the register of RGIs and carry an ID Card with a valid date.
Benefits of using an RGI:
By using an RGI you have the peace of mind that you are dealing with a trained installer who has the required expertise in gas safety to ensure your gas installation is safe.
How do I recognize an RGI:
Each RGI carries an ID Card which is renewed annually. The ID on the card is a number from R0001 to R3000 and the photo is one of the installer. Ensure the card is in date.
For further information visit www.rgii.ie
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