ReactFast helps to prevent further carbon monoxide tragedies

November 2006

Following the tragic carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in Corfu, ReactFast, one of the UK’s largest one-stop emergency maintenance providers, are taking positive steps towards ensuring that these kind of incidents are a thing of the past. Many people are un-educated or ill-informed when it comes to Carbon Monoxide (CO).

So what is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Known as the silent killer, it’s a highly poisonous gas that has no smell, taste or colour. It is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas. Blocked flues and chimneys mean that the gas cannot escape and could then be trapped inside a property. Inhalation reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen which starves organs and cells of oxygen.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea and dizziness. People can die after just a few hours of exposure. Dave Taylor, Technical Auditor at ReactFast said, “Everyone is at risk from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. No one is immune. According to the Health and Safety Executive, in the UK alone, around 30 people die each year from CO poisoning, but there are ways to protect your family and ensure that gas appliances are working within safe boundaries”.

The simplest way to keep your family safe is to detect CO before it reaches dangerous levels in your home. In order to do this, ReactFast suggest that you purchase a CO Detector. ReactFast supply the SF350 CO Detector, the only unit recommended by British Gas. Using the latest electrochemical sensor technology, the SF350 gives an audible and visual warning long before the level of CO becomes harmful.

However, aiding the prevention of a CO leak occurring in the first place is the most sensible and safest action to take. It is vital that the general public remember that all open flued gas appliances and badly installed appliances can cause a problem involving carbon monoxide.

Ben Wakefield, Central Heating Engineer at ReactFast advises, “The primary method of ensuring that appliances are working safely is to ensure that all gas appliances are annually serviced. ReactFast offer an annual boiler service and safety inspection, carried out by a CORGI registered engineer. As fresh cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are investigated, new regulations are brought in to combat reoccurrence – we will ensure that your gas appliances correspond with current requirements.”

It is not just home owners who are at risk. If you are a tenant in rented accommodation, ask you landlord if they hold a CP12, known as a Landlords gas Safety Certificate. This legal document verifies that an annual gas safety inspection has been carried. It is specific to the tenant, address and appliances.

ReactFast stresses that it is imperative that all gas work on any gas installation is carried out by a suitably qualified and trained engineer. The primary method of ensuring that work is carried out safely is to ensure that the engineer is CORGI qualified. The engineer will carry a CORGI identification card which will state the areas of gas work he is qualified in.

Remember, your family’s safety is paramount!