As part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is urging people to make sure alarms are in good working order. Last month, new government regulations came into force, making it a legal requirement for landlords to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
The requirements are enforced by local authorities, who can impose a fine of up to £5,000, if a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
carbon monoxide alarms
Family of six was vacated from the barge and taken to the hospital where studies took place
The importance of having carbon monoxide alarms was highlighted earlier this year when a family was suspected of suffering poisoning while on a barge in the market town of Todmorden in Calderdale.
The family of six were evacuated from the barge and taken to hospital where investigations took place into the possible poisoning.
According to figures from Project Shout, every year an estimated 50 people in the UK die from carbon monoxide poisoning while 200 people become seriously ill from the effects of it. However, 56% of UK households are without a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Illnesses from CO poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs every year from November 21 to 27. WYFRS Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dave Walton said: “Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas that can be deadly. Only working CO alarms can detect its presence and it is a legal requirement to ensure an alarm is provided in rooms that have a fixed combustion appliance, except if it’s a gas cooker."
CO Awareness Week is an opportunity to think about CO safety and take the necessary steps to keep safe
He adds, “These may be guidelines for landlords, but if everyone followed these rules then we would see fewer deaths and illnesses from carbon monoxide poisoning. We want to ensure everyone in West Yorkshire is safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is an opportunity to think about CO safety and take the necessary steps to keep safe. Everyone should test smoke and CO alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.”
Symptoms of exposure to CO
As well as installing alarms, people across West Yorkshire should be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, and death. It can poison the body quickly in high concentrations or slowly over long periods.
Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide may be similar to the flu but without a high temperature. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately go outside and call 999.
If they have any safety concerns, they can request a free Safe & Well visit from the WYFRS fire prevention team. As part of the visit, the team will check they have carbon monoxide alarms in place or will help to place them correctly around the home.
