New keys, new housemates and a new city can make moving to university feel like one long checklist.
While you are sorting Wi-Fi, food, furniture, and settling into ‘uni’ life don’t forget to check two important safety questions: where is the carbon monoxide alarm, and can I see the current gas safety record?
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. Faulty, badly fitted or poorly maintained fuel-burning appliances can produce it, and blocked vents, chimneys or flues can cause a buildup of this dangerous gas.
A working audible carbon monoxide alarm can warn you if the gas is present. It is an important safety feature in your home, but it is not a substitute for appliances being checked and maintained safely by your landlord.
Your two safety checks
- Find the carbon monoxide alarm. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test it regularly. If it doesn’t work, tell your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider straight away. Do not remove the batteries or ignore a fault.
- Ask for the current Landlord Gas Safety Record. If you rent privately, your landlord should give you a copy of the record for the gas appliances they provide. Those appliances must have an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If you own a gas appliance yourself, and bring it to your rented accommodation, you are responsible notifying your landlord and for arranging its safety checks and servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Know the warning signs
It’s vital to be vigilant. An appliance may need urgent attention if you notice:
- a lazy yellow or orange flame rather than a crisp blue flame,
- black or sooty marks on or around an appliance,
- a pilot light that repeatedly goes out,
- more condensation than usual in the room, or
- an appliance error message or anything else that does not seem right.
If you spot something, don’t use the appliance. Contact your landlord and never try to fix or move a gas appliance yourself.
Recognise the symptoms
It’s important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Especially as they can feel like flu or a hangover!
The main symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
If more than one person in your household feels unwell or you feel better after going outside, it may be due to carbon monoxide.
What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide
Get everyone outdoors into fresh air straight away and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside.
If it’s safe to do so, open doors and windows and turn off appliances before you head out of your property. If you or any of your housemates feel unwell, seek medical help too.
Calling on parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer, ask the important questions, “Have you seen the gas safety record?”, “Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm and have you tested it?” and “Do you know the number to call if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide?”
Always remember…
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 immediately. The number is free to call and available 24/7. Add it to your phone today so you have it at hand if you ever need it in the future.
More helpful information
You can find more free carbon monoxide advice on our website. To find or check if someone is a Gas Safe engineer visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk.
Northern Gas Networks is responsible for the network of pipes that deliver that safely deliver gas to your property. Our pipes run up to the meter.
The meter is the responsibility of the gas supplier (the company that bills you or your landlord for the gas you use). The pipes and gas appliances provided as part of your property rental are the responsibility of the landlord.