Carbon monoxide
You are at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning if a heating appliance is not working correctly.
Carbon monoxide can be deadly if inhaled in confined spaces. You are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if a heating appliance is poorly installed, not working correctly, has not been checked for safety or is not maintained regularly.
Any heating appliance that uses gas, coal, wood or oil can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if not working correctly. Carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and invisible, so it is important to ensure heating appliances are working correctly and safely.
Newer homes are at greater risk of causing carbon monoxide poisoning because they are well insulated and sealed and whilst they have ventilation systems designed into them, if the occupant closes or obstruct points of air circulation like windows or doors for example, carbon monoxide will not escape easily.
The best way to protect you and your family is to have carbon monoxide detector installed. Regular smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide!
Information for developers
Installing carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and potential life savers to any home buyer and their family. They can be easily combined with hard wired and interlinked smoke alarms which are required by regulations. For further information about procuring and installing them, visit the CORGI website listed below.
Further information
Oxfordshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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