It is audible to no one. It isn't apparent. It has no smell, either. The silent killer, often known as carbon monoxide poisoning, is responsible for about 50 deaths annually in the UK.
This extremely lethal gas, produced by faulty and dangerous gas equipment, suddenly appears. Despite how serious carbon monoxide poisoning is, there are several steps you can take to protect your family's health and safety.
Making sure your boiler is regularly serviced is the greatest method to stop a carbon monoxide leak in your house. Once a year, maintenance and safety checks should be performed by a Gas Safe licensed gas boiler engineer near me.
By doing this, they can maintain the system running smoothly and detect problems or potential breaches early on.
With a gas boiler service in Belfast, gas safety is something we take very seriously. Once every 24 hours, we automatically check each engineer's credentials against the official Gas Safe Register.
Gas Safe certified engineers will provide the estimates you get with the most recent credentials and training so you can rely on them.
Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Here are the top ten facts about carbon monoxide poisoning and some safety measures you can take.
Ineffective Central Heating Systems
The two most common sources of carbon monoxide in homes are malfunctioning central heating systems and gas appliances like gas fireplaces and ovens.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Despite the challenge of diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning, there are warning indicators. The six main symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, collapsing, and losing consciousness.
Be Careful Not To Mistake It For Food Poisoning
The symptoms of food poisoning, the flu, and even viral illnesses are frequently confused with those of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Bewilderment, a rapid and irregular heartbeat, convulsions, memory loss, confusion, and even complete unconsciousness are all possible signs of severe poisoning.
Affected Parties
The elderly and children are the most at-risk demographics. If your dogs or cats display the same symptoms, carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame. Pets may also be affected.
Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide At Home
Do you have carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms in your home? Keep an eye out for things like constantly blowing pilot lights, unusually high levels of condensation on your windows, or unusually dark stains on or near your appliances.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Install a carbon monoxide alarm if you don't already have one. Most reputable high-street DIY merchants, like B&Q and Homebase, sell alarms for between twenty and thirty pounds.
Reliable Services
Remember that a malfunctioning central heating boiler could be lethal. Therefore, take care to have your heating systems and gas appliances regularly maintained by a Gas Safe, licensed heating technician. Utilise only licensed gas fitters. So, check their credentials before using their services.
Actions To Do If Symptoms Are Present
If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off all gas appliances and open the windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.
Call The Physician
Right away, have yourself examined by a doctor. They can do a breath or blood test to determine whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning.
Contacting Gas Safe Registered Engineer
Additionally, send a Gas Safe registered professional to inspect your boiler as soon as possible. Use the dubious appliance after that time.
Avoiding A Carbon Monoxide Leak
Preventative measures are the best line of defence against carbon monoxide dangers. Always ensure that a nearby Gas Safe certified professional handles periodic gas appliance testing and annual boiler maintenance.
Installing carbon monoxide alarms is an additional practical measure that could give you early warning of the presence of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide alarms are inexpensive and easily available at your local home improvement store.
The Gas Safe Register does not recommend using "black spot detector" warning strips because they are too noticeable and won't alert you if there is a carbon monoxide leak while you sleep.
Find a Gas Safe certified engineer today, and assess the boiler's efficiency and safety.
Conclusion
In the winter, when individuals are more inclined to use gas boilers to heat their homes, carbon monoxide poisoning poses a major risk to public health. It is critical to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your house and to be knowledgeable about the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get fresh air and medical attention immediately if you believe you or someone else may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Action Plumbing and Heating is a third-generation, family-run company that has been operating for more than 30 years and is still doing well. We are the top company for installing gas boilers in Belfast. For a gas boiler service in Belfast, get in touch with us.