 CARBON MONOXIDE – BE ALARMED!
The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign was launched in October 2008. It is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide.
The campaign is funded and delivered by the Energy Retail Association on behalf of the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA) and supported by more than 40 other organisations including many high profile national bodies.
We have also engaged a large number of MPs in the cause, providing them with information and materials to help them raise awareness of the risks and advice on carbon monoxide in their constituencies.
Alarm manufacturers have supported the campaign by offering discounts and promotions to coincide with our public awareness campaign. As a result, more households are now equipped with this potentially lifesaving device. For example, during the week after the 2010 media launch, manufacturers reported that sales of carbon monoxide alarms were 400% higher than normal and even outsold smoke alarms.
Facts about carbon monoxide
- Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell
- Fuel burning appliances such as stoves, fires, boilers and water heaters can produce carbon monoxide if they are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked
- Gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood can all produce carbon monoxide.
- Each year, there are around 30 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning* and many more people suffer health problems due to carbon monoxide exposure
8 out of 10 households at risk
Research conducted for this campaign has found that eight out of ten households are putting themselves at risk because they do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
Key findings from our research:
- Some 81 per cent of British households do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm
- More than half (53 per cent) of people with audible alarms in their home had not tested them in the last year
- Some 15 million households do not have their fuel-burning appliances serviced annually
- Only 6 per cent of people are very confident that they would recognise the symptoms of poisoning
What needs to be done?
This campaign is seeking support for two legislative changes which will make a major difference:
- Every new home should be fitted with an audible carbon monoxide alarm
- In order to receive a gas safety certificate, landlords should offer tenants a carbon monoxide alarm
For more information see the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign report.
Steps to keep your household safe
The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep your household safe:
- Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm which should be marked with the ‘EN50291′ safety standard
- Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered professional
- Don’t block ventilation and get chimneys swept at least once a year
- Know the danger signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
For more information about the campaign and how to stay safe visit www.co-bealarmed.co.uk
Useful links
*Relates to deaths from all fuel types including gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood.
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