A guide to buying a carbon monoxide monitor

There can be no doubting of the seriousness of carbon monoxide poison. There are several ways that you can minimise the risks here, including having your heating system, boiler, any gas fires or chimneys and vents checked by a qualified gas engineer or chimney sweep. However, to be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide monitor installed. Here is how.

The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

It is always a good idea to know the typical signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Inhaling this gas will cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. Get anyone suffering these symptoms into the open air quickly and call for an ambulance. Once the person is safe, quickly open all the doors and windows in the contaminated room, turn off any combustion appliances and leave the house. Call the fire brigade and Transco Gas Emergency line and report what has happened. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure that a qualified technician checks them.

Further signs

Apart from signs of carbon monoxide symptoms in a victim, there are other signs of leaks to look out for. The boiler pilot light continually blowing out, a gas flame burning orange or yellow rather than blue, soot or a musty smell around a gas appliance or a scorched area on the appliance, and an increase in condensation on windows can all signify a fault in a gas appliance that could be giving off carbon monoxide gas.

Buying a carbon monoxide moniter

Far better than looking for the above signs is to have a carbon monoxide detection system installed. The best models here have test buttons and digital displays that show the room's carbon monoxide levels. All models sound like an alarm when levels are too high. The concentration of CO is measured in
parts per million (ppm). Exposure to levels of 1 to 70ppm is harmless to most people, but those with heart problems might experience an increase in chest pain. Where to install carbon monoxide alarms On every floor of your home and near sleeping areas, install carbon monoxide monitors that meet the requirements of the current British Standard BS 7860 and carries the British Standard Kitemark. Make sure that they are not blocked by furniture or draperies.