In
order for your fire to work safely and efficiently for years
to come it is important to have your fire serviced regularly
on an annual basis.
So dont take chances with your safety.
Also minor repairs are available from only £25!
We cover all the Liverpool Wirral and Merseyside area. |
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Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning
What is it ?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It can be given off by appliances
that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood or oil, if they're
not working properly, if the flue is blocked in any way, or if
the room is not properly ventilated.
Why is it so dangerous ?
Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which
makes it difficult to detect. However its effects are deadly.
On average, 50 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning
due to faulty heating appliances.
What are the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning ?
Most cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are due to inadequate
ventilation or poor maintenance of appliances, blocked or leaky
flues and chimneys. Chimneys can become blocked for various reasons.
It could be as a result of birds nesting on the chimney, or possible
degradation of the flue. A blocked flue can lead to carbon monoxide
leaking into your home.
Who is most at risk ?
Some people mistakenly think that it is only gas fuelled heating
systems which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning - in fact, it
can happen with any fossil fuel system if the system, which included
both the appliance and the flue, is faulty or the room is not
properly ventilated. Also, some people associate carbon monoxide
poisoning with rented accommodation - in fact, more people are
killed in owner occupied rather than rented properties.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
A typical scenario is a living room with a solid fuel heater.
The windows and doors have been draught proofed and the permanent
ventilation has been blocked up (by the victim) to prevent draughts.
The chimney and flue have not been swept for years. The victim
may not have carried out the regular maintenance of their appliance,
like cleaning the throat plate monthly, let alone had the appliance
serviced professionally. There may be soot deposits at the appliance
outlet, or bits of the flue lining may have broken away and tumbled
down to the appliance outlet. The weather is cold and the fire
is not drawing well, so the victim opens the fire door to get
more heat. This compounds the problem. The victim becomes drowsy,
falls asleep, and doesn't wake up again.
The danger signs
Carbon monoxide may be present if there are any of the following
danger signs:
Gas flames that normally burn blue burn orange or yellow instead.
Sooty stains appear on or just above appliances, regardless of
the fuel being burnt.
Coal or wood fires burn slowly or go out.
The fire is difficult to light.
The room is not properly ventilated.
The chimney or flue is blocked - watch out for smoke in the room.
You develop the following unexplained symptoms:
 tiredness
drowsiness
headaches
dizziness
chest pains
nausea
Key Safety Messages & Facts
Carbon monoxide can result from burning all fossil fuels - not
just gas fires and boilers.
It is important to ensure rooms are ventilated - never block vents.
If double glazing or draught-proofing is fitted, make sure there
is still enough air circulating for any heaters in the room.
Portable heaters do not need a flue, but they still need good
ventilation.
Make sure that all chimneys and flues are regularly swept by a
competent sweep and kept clear. This includes chimneys being used
as flues for gas fires, but is particularly important for solid
fuel appliances.
Boilers and heating systems and appliances should be installed,
maintained and regularly serviced by a competent engineer (make
sure they are CORGI-registered for gas appliances).
If you have recently moved, check when your boiler or heating
appliances were last serviced.
Gas flames burning orange or yellow instead of blue may indicate
the presence of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide detectors should comply with British Standard
BS 7860 - but remember they are only warning devices. Never rely
on them entirely and do not use them as a substitute for regular
servicing.
Never cook on a barbecue indoors - the charcoal gives off carbon
monoxide.
If you develop any of the following unexplained symptoms - drowsiness,
headaches, chest pains, giddiness, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach
pains - you could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Switch off your appliances and see your doctor at once.
Please note
there will be small surcharge to cover the wirral area due to
the company being Liverpool Based.
We can repair,
service and install all makes of fires including; Valor, Crystal
fires, Robinson Willey, Cannon, Flavel, Matchless, Baxi, Potterton,
Verine, Genisis, And many many more.
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