Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 11/11/2008 09:46

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is today issuing a warning to the public to check their chimneys and flues when warming up this winter.

Crews from St Austell were called to an incident in Bugle today involving an elderly couple suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, thought to have been caused by a blocked central heating flue.

“At this time of year, people understandably fire up their central heating or light fires for the first time since last winter.” says Chief Fire Officer, Matt Littmoden. “This can lead to problems such as in this case, where the flue was unchecked, and the blockage produced dangerous carbon monoxide. Luckily the couple had felt the effects and called an ambulance who realised what was happening, but had they been asleep this could have been a much more tragic outcome.”

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 includes both the appliance and the flue, is faulty or the room is not properly ventilated.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade has issued these guidelines and tips in relation to carbon monoxide:

· 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.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=43459