Wake up to the silent killer
Carbon monoxide poster
LANCASTER City Council is backing a campaign aimed at making students, their parents and landlords aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Every year carbon monoxide kills as many as 50 people in the UK and results in a great deal more becoming very ill with lasting symptoms.
Many of those affected are students living in rented accommodation.
Because it is invisible, has no taste or smell, carbon monoxide is often called the ‘Silent Killer’. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, particularly from gas appliances and flues which have not been properly maintained.
The main signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea, light-headedness and dizziness. Because the symptoms closely resemble flu, carbon monoxide is not suspected and the symptoms are not followed up.
The Health and Safety Executive, supported by Lancaster City Council, has launched a campaign entitled ‘Will You Wake Up!’ to highlight the dangers.
Letting agents are being supplied with posters and leaflets to make them aware of the problem and the solutions:
* Ensuring that all gas appliances and flues are inspected annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer
* A certificate to indicate that the gas appliances and flue has been inspected is made available or prominently displayed in the rented accommodation
* Carbon monoxide detectors are fitted within the premises and their batteries replaced regularly
Further information on the dangers of carbon monoxide are available from the city council’s Environmental Health department on 01524 582936, HSE Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363 or from www.hse.gov.uk/gas
Date Updated: 02/02/10