Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Landlords, local authorities housing departments, housing associations, hotel owners and the gas fitters themselves all have a responsibility to ensure that the gas appliances in their properties or that they have worked on are safe.
Our specialist carbon monoxide solicitors have considerable experience in dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning compensation claims. These claims can be complex but our lawyers take the strain from you so that you can concentrate on making a full recovery.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer". The gas is colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating, which makes it difficult to detect.
Carbon monoxide poisoning takes place after inhalation of carbon monoxide gas (CO). Inhaling this gas reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen.
The Health and Safety Executive have found that about 30 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained.
Mild poisoning will lead to headaches and flu like symptoms, together with breathing difficulties. It can also lead to depression and chronic fatigue.
In severe cases the toxicity in the central nervous system and heart can result in headaches, dizziness, confusion, convulsions, unconsciousness and even fatality.
The only way to determine that Carbon monoxide poisoning is the definite cause of these symptoms is to carry out a blood test.
What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
- Yellow or orange, rather than blue gas flames.
- Soot or yellow / brown staining around or on appliances.
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
- Increased condensation inside windows.
How can Carbon Monoxide poisoning be prevented?
Work carried out on gas appliances should always be carried out by a CORGI registered installer. This registration will ensure that the installer has experience and expertise in the safety of gas appliances.
Gas appliances and chimneys should be serviced regularly by a CORGI registered installer.
In rented accommodation, the landlord has a duty to carry out an annual Gas Safety Check and must provide the tenant with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate.
Make sure that there is plenty of ventilation in any room with a gas appliance. The chimney and vents must not become blocked up or covered.
Install a CO detector with an audible alarm
Geoffrey Podger, the Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive said,
"Fuel gas is safe, but if appliances are not properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent CORGI-registered installer, the gas may not burn properly meaning CO fumes are released"
To find your local CORGI registered installer visit their website.
IMPORTANT
If you think that your appliance is leaking carbon monoxide:
- Switch it off immediately.
- Call the Gas Emergency Free phone number - 0800 111 999 to report the leak.
- Open all doors and windows to provide ventilation.
- Visit your GP and explain that you may have been exposed to Carbon Monoxide.
The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning solicitors have recently represented Mark an ex-serviceman and his family who were poisoned by carbon monoxide in their rented flat.
