When CO accumulate? This happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Oil and solid fuels such as coal, wood, petrol and oil can also produce carbon monoxide.

Causes of CO Poisoning

You can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at home/ company  if dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home/ company. This can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following:

• Faulty or damaged heating appliances
• Heating appliance not maintained or serviced
• Rooms not properly ventilated
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater
• Poor installation of heating appliances
• Improper operation of heating appliances
• Property alterations or home improvements, which reduce ventilation
• Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garages
• Using cooking appliances for heating purposes

You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly and with no warning.

CO poisoning – The six main symptoms to look out for:

1. headaches
2. dizziness
3. nausea
4. breathlessness
5. collapse
6. loss of consciousness

Because carbon monoxide has no taste, smell or colour. Gas Safe Register strongly recommends you fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home/ company.

While an alarm will alert you to carbon monoxide in your home, it is no substitute for having an annual gas safety check and regular servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Cannon Fire Safety Group has all Fire safety appliances that you or your company needs, including CO smoke alarms! Contact us for more details by email: info@cfsg.ie or call us on 01 295 7540. Nationwide service.

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

*** Testing your smoke detector is as important as brushing your teeth.***

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam.

• If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button,
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides all the Fire Safety appliances that your home or bussines need. Visit www.cfsg.ie or contact us by email info@cfsg.ie

To help you stay safe and warm this winter and to help reduce the number of accidents, CFSG gives you some TIPS that you should follow before buying your electric blanket and also when using it.

• Buy a new blanket from a reputable retailer
• Look out for Safety Standard mark

Using Electric Blankets:

• Always read and follow manufacturer’s instruction before use
• Check the type: i.e. over or under electric blanket
• Examine your blanket regularly for signs of wear or damage
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for suitability to wash your blanket
• Do not plug the blanket into an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in
• Never use an electric blanket with a water bed
• Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together
• Never leave clothes piled on an electric blanket if it is switched on – this can cause overheating and scorching
• Never use the blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked or creased
• Store your blanket carefully when you take it off your bed – see the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to do this

Visit our website: www.cfsg.ie