Carbon Monoxide Safety Information
Bord Gáis Networks 24 Hour Emergency: 1850 20 50 50
 
    What Is CO?       Water Heaters       CO Alarms       Safety Precautions       Important Phone Nos.    

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a poisonous gas which can be given off by any appliance which burns a fossil fuel such as gas, coal or oil. CO can enter your home or a room in your home if:

  • You have a faulty appliance.
  • Your appliance has not been maintained.
  • The room is not properly ventilated.
  • The chimney or flue is blocked.

Carbon Monoxide is colourless, odourless and has no taste. It is a killer.

Gas Appliances Need Air Too

Gas appliances need air to burn safely. With enough air, burning natural gas produces Carbon Dioxide and water in safe amounts. These products are normally taken away by a chimney or flue. However, Carbon Monoxide can be produced if there is too little air, or if the chimney or flue is blocked or obstructed. Look out for the danger signs.

The Danger Signs

A number of things may indicate that your appliance is unsafe:

  • Stains, soot or discolouring around a gas fire or at the top of a gas water heater could mean that the flue or chimney is blocked.
  • Appliances that burn slowly, badly (floppy flames), or go out.
  • Condensation or dampness on surfaces in the room once the appliance is lit.
  • There should not be a strange smell when the appliance is on.

If you are at all worried about a gas appliance, seek help. Don't delay and put yourself or others in danger.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. But if anyone in your house has any of the following symptoms when using a gas appliance, turn it off and go to your doctor:

  • Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness.
  • Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains.
  • Sudden dizziness when standing up.
  • General lethargy.

Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a Registered Gas Technician or a qualified Service Engineer.

In case of a Natural Gas Emergency call Bord Gáis Networks 24 hour emergency number 1850 20 50 50.

Water Heaters

Older water heaters, made before modern safety devices were introduced in 1996, may be unsafe to use due to the risk of Carbon Monoxide production. If you have an older type, over-sink or over-bath gas water heater, it may be unsafe to use. Stop using it immediately and call Bord Gáis:

Our contact number: 1850 79 79 79

We can then arrange for a Bord Gáis Safety Advisor to visit you without charge. This expert advisor will assess your water heater installation and inform you of the safety action required.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Monoxide alarms are available from all good hardware stores. They are usually installed adjacent to sleeping areas or in rooms containing a gas appliance. More than one may be required to offer full protection. This type of alarm is only useful for a certain length of time, advised by the manufacturer. Never hold on to a Carbon Monoxide alarm after its useful date has expired. A Carbon Monoxide alarm should not be used as a substitute for a smoke alarm.

While Carbon Monoxide alarms may provide an extra measure of warning, they should never be relied on as a substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of your Natural Gas appliances, venting and chimneys.

Safety Precautions

The following is a checklist of safety precautions you should take:

  • If undertaking alterations to your home which may affect the safety or efficiency of your gas installation, get the advice of a competent Registered Gas Technician. A list of Registered Gas Technicians in your area is available by phoning 1850 632 632.
  • Never block a ventilator which is there to ensure a safe supply of air.
  • Boilers and appliances should be serviced annually to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently. To arrange a service with Bord Gáis Energy Servicing phone 1850 632 632.
  • Gas boilers and appliances should be installed in accordance with Irish Standard 813: 2002 'Domestic Gas Installations', by a competent Registered Gas Technician.
  • Use appliances only for the purpose for which they were designed, i.e. do not use a cooker to heat a room.
  • Never use any gas appliance if you suspect it might be faulty. Have it checked. If you require a Safety Check phone 1850 79 79 79.

Important Phone Numbers

Bord Gáis Energy Servicing: 1850 632 632
Safety Check: 1850 79 79 79
Bord Gáis Energy Installer List: 1850 632 632
Water Heater Safety: 1850 79 79 79