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Carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon Monoxide (CO) fumes are silent, highly poisonous fumes, that can impact your health or cause a fire.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. CO fumes are silent, highly poisonous fumes that can be impossible to detect because you cannot taste, see or smell it.  

This can happen when appliances such as boilers, cookers, heaters, gas fires and solid fuel burners are faulty, have been incorrectly fitted, or not regularly serviced. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked or poorly maintained. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be produced by: 

  • If you suspect a CO leak, leave the property immediately and contact the 24-hour Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999
  • Do not re-enter your home until the source of the CO has been addressed or fixed by a qualified professional

We advise you to fit CO alarms in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances. We encourage you to: 

  • Purchase CO alarms from reputable manufacturers that have a British Standard certification
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how and where to fit the alarms 
  • Alarms should be in all rooms that have a fuel burning appliance
  • Test your alarms regularly, we recommend once a week
  • Leave the property immediately
  • If you suspect CO poisoning, always seek immediate medical advice. If someone is showing signs of poisoning or has collapsed, call 999 immediately and ask for medical help
  • Do not re-enter your home until the source of the CO has been addressed by a qualified professional
  • Have your boiler and other fuel burning appliances serviced by a qualified individual at least one a year
  • Have your chimney swept and flue inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year
  • Find an accredited chimney sweep

Check if your home is fire safe

For free advice unique to you and your home, complete the online Home Fire Safety Check.

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