Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 06/03/2012 12:46

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is highlighting the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after crews were called to several incidents during February.

A colourless, odourless and poisonous gas, carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including gas, oil, wood and coal.

Recent incidents include;

· St Maybn, a woman in her 40s, a young male and a young girl were taken to hospital after being overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a woodburner. On the same day, Launceston firefighters were called to an incident at neighbouring homes in Lifton, caused by a faulty chimney flue. As a result, seven people were treated for the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

· Camborne, a carbon monoxide detector activated after a grill was switched on, but not ignited. Fortunately no one was injured.

“It is important to be aware that carbon monoxide can be produced in many different ways not just by a gas boiler or gas appliances, but also by solid fuel and wood burners, as well as open fires,” said Crew Manager Mark Pratten from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can have tragic results – but there are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe.”

Lynn Griffiths, President of the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness, said: “The key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is by education.

“In most cases of accidental poisonings, victims don't realise that carbon monoxide was being produced or building up in the air they were breathing. Everyone needs to know about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to protect themselves from this silent killer.”

Stephanie Trotter OBE, President and Director of the Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society added: “Congratulations to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service for their outstanding commitment and work with regard to raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Most people are unaware of the dangers - CO cannot be sensed using human senses yet just 2% of CO can kill within one to three minutes.”

Tips for staying CO safe include:

· Buy a carbon monoxide detector - place it in your home (refer to manufacturers guidelines) test it regularly and keep the sensor free from dust and well maintained. You can also buy a portable detector to take with you on holiday.

· Have your appliances properly installed and regularly serviced by qualified installers.

· Sweep chimneys and flues regularly.

· Don’t block vents – make sure your home is ventilated.

· When removing hot ashes from an open fire at the end of the day, ensure they are removed to fresh air in a metal bucket and extinguished properly in a safe environment.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/carbonmonoxide or call Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s 24hr freephone fire safety helpline on 0800 3581 999.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7287