As the cold weather approaches, it’s crucial to have a Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide to prioritise carbon monoxide safety to minimise the risk of poisoning. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is generated when carbon-based materials burn with insufficient air or oxygen, resulting in incomplete combustion.
Improperly installed or malfunctioning combustion-based heating appliances, such as gas heaters and wood fireplaces, are also responsible for CO poisoning in homes across Australia. Regular gas heater service and gas appliance repair is crucial. We’ve put together a carbon monoxide safety guide that should be part of your winter preparations.
Unmaintained gas heaters can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can have severe consequences for your household’s health. CO has been dubbed the silent killer because its fumes can be deadly without anyone noticing. Our carbon monoxide safety guide aims to prevent further tragedies caused by CO.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide
Ensure your gas heaters Adelaide and other heating appliances are serviced annually by a qualified and licensed technician.
Install a CO detector system near the main living and sleeping areas. Make sure they are not placed too close to gas heaters, ovens, or fireplaces, as these may trigger the alarm with harmless levels of properly combusted gas.
Test the alarms every month and replace the batteries twice a year, ideally in line with daylight savings. Establish a routine of changing your clocks and alarm batteries simultaneously.
Recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning and seek medical attention if you suspect exposure:
- Headaches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Unusual behavior
- General fatigue
- Avoid idling your vehicle in a garage.
- Do not use a gas oven or any other appliance to heat your home; only use specified space heaters.
- Exercise caution with generators – they should not be used in homes, garages, or other enclosed spaces and must be kept at least 7 meters away from any window, door, or vent leading into your living area.
- What to do during an emergency situation
- Ventilate the house by opening the windows and doors.
- Refrain from igniting any flames or sparks.
- Turn off lights, appliances, and fans.
- Close the gas bottle valve by rotating it clockwise.
- Move yourself and your family to the outdoors for fresh air.
If you detect or suspect a gas leak near the meter, call Australian Gas Networks at 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532).
Indications of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide exposure results in an accumulation of the gas in your bloodstream. This replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells, depriving your body of essential oxygen. CO is toxic to everyone but poses a greater risk to unborn babies, children, the elderly, and those with heart conditions.
Mild symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and confusion. CO poisoning may be lethal in extreme situations. It’s crucial to check and maintain your gas heaters, whether you’re a homeowner or landlord. Implement our carbon monoxide safety guide each year to minimise the risk of poisoning.
Those more vulnerable to CO poisoning are unborn babies, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic heart or lung issues. Protect your home annually by following our carbon monoxide safety guide.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and the role of the Chase Tyler Foundation
The Chase Tyler Foundation plays a significant role during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Chase and Tyler Robinson, sons of Vanessa and Scott Robinson, tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their Mooroopna, Victoria, rental home in May 2010.
This heartbreaking event led Vanessa and Scott to establish the Chase and Tyler Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide. The foundation’s website offers numerous tips for safely using gas appliances both inside and outside the home.
Their efforts to spread awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning have contributed to the annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which takes place from April 27 to May 3, just before winter sets in. You can participate, donate, and help raise awareness about the harmful effects of carbon monoxide and how to reduce the risk of poisoning.
If you suspect a leak near your hot water system, space heater, or gas cooker, call Plumfast at 1300 758 632 for dependable, licensed advice and services. We’re always here to help! Don’t forget to schedule an annual reminder to have your gas heaters and other heating appliances serviced by a qualified and licensed technician.
If you need a Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide or professional plumber our team at Plumfast is here to help. With our expertise and advanced tools, we can address all your plumbing needs efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the benefits of a properly functioning plumbing system in your home or business.
