Carbon Monoxide Dangers from heating appliances and generators used indoors

With some homeowners continuing to experience electricity issues across the province, we wish to highlight the following guidance.

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can kill quickly without warning.

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. 

Using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators in doors can cause CO levels high enough to result in CO poisoning.

Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.

Where any fuel burning equipment is used indoors there must be good ventilation and in conjunction with carbon monoxide alarm. Always follow the manufacturers guidance.

More advice on using a portable generator in an emergency advice can be at the following link: https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/safety-tips-using-portable-generator-emergency 

Symptoms of CO poisoning can feel like every other day illnesses, and include Headaches, Nausea, Breathlessness, Dizziness, Collapse, and loss of consciousness. 

If affected, you should:

• Open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air;
• Go to your GP or nearest A&E department;
• If its urgent call 999 for an ambulance; and
• Call the relevant emergency advice line: Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080.

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact: HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or email media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

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