Gas Experts Urge Customers to Avoid Silent Killer

Northern Gas Networks is urging householders to get their gas appliances checked after a spate of carbon monoxide (CO) alerts across the north.

As temperatures drop and we turn the heating on the north’s gas emergency service provider has seen an increase in reports of suspected CO problems.

On average around 7,000 people across the North East, northern Cumbria and Yorkshire call the National Gas Emergency Service to report possible fumes in their home each year.

Only a small number turn out to involve carbon monoxide, but Northern Gas Networks is issuing a timely warning to coincide with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which starts today (November 16).

Northern Gas Networks’ Head of Emergency Operations Ken Gray said although carbon monoxide is a silent killer, it is easy to avoid.

"Simply get your gas, solid fuel or oil appliances serviced by a properly qualified engineer every year,” he said

For gas appliances, engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register (formerly known as CORGI). You can find them in the phone book.

The advice is all the more crucial as a recent survey, carried out by Northern Gas Networks shows that only around half of households in the region have an audible CO alarm and many people do not get their gas appliances checked every year.

“Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas which is produced when fuels such as gas are burned without an adequate air supply. The symptoms of poisoning are similar to the flu but the effects are potentially lethal.

“A tell-tale sign that your gas appliance is not working properly is a yellow flame, it should be blue. The only exception to this is a decorative gas fire which is designed to have yellow flames. Also, look out for sooty marks on the appliance as this can also indicate a problem

“If you are in any doubt, stop using the appliance immediately and open your windows. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 and an engineer will come round straight away to make the situation safe.”

Around three times as much gas flows through the region’s 37,000km of gas mains in November as it does in summer, and winter is the time when most suspected carbon monoxide problems occur.

“Safety is our number one priority. Our emergency service is free and we would rather be called to a false alarm than not be called at all. However, we do not service or repair appliances. Once we have made sure you are safe you need to find your own engineer to check your internal system. Don’t wait for an emergency. Get your appliances serviced now,” added Ken.

Carbon Monoxide – top five things you need to know

1. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and poisonous gas that can be given off when gas or coal appliances are not working properly.
2. Symptoms of CO exposure are flu like and can include chest or stomach pains, nausea and or vomiting, breathlessness, feeling tired or drowsy and sight problems.
3. Signs to look out for are an orange rather than a blue flame, extra condensation, pilot lights blowing out and soot marks on the appliance. If you spot any of these signs call 0800 111 999 immediately and an engineer will come and make it safe – free of charge.
4. You may be entitled to a free annual safety check of gas appliances if ALL of the adults in you home are eligible for the Priority Services Register . Contact your registered gas supplier for further details.
5. If you live in rented accommodation it is you landlord’s responsibility to have your appliances checked every year – if you haven’t got a certificate that confirms a check has taken place insist your landlord has this done urgently.