EVERY CHECK COUNTS! WHY KIDDE IS PLEDGING ITS SUPPORT OF GAS SAFETY WEEK
Gas Safety Week, running from September 9th to 15th this year, marks its fourteenth edition as a crucial reminder of the dangers associated with gas appliances. Coordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official gas registration body for the United Kingdom, the campaign emphasises the importance of regular gas safety checks and ensuring carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working correctly.
At Kidde, we are proud to support this essential initiative. In this blog, we’ll delve into why Gas Safety Week is so important.
The theme for the 2024 campaign, 'Every Check Counts,' reminds us that regular maintenance and inspections are key to avoiding dangerous situations. Unsafe gas appliances can put householders at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires, and even explosions. Understanding these risks and taking preventative measures can make all the difference.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a gas that is extremely difficult to detect because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. CO can be produced by many different household fuel-burning appliances we use every day, including log burning stoves, gas cookers, hobs, and boilers. It is produced as a by-product during incomplete production of fuels due to insufficient levels of oxygen being present.
Risks of CO Poisoning
One of the primary dangers associated with gas appliances is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to high levels of CO can be fatal. Initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu and include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, chest pain, and loss of consciousness.
Protecting Occupants from Danger
The Gas Safe Register has produced several tips to keep occupants safe which includes the use of an audible carbon monoxide alarm (you can read the full list of tips here). At Kidde, we are passionate about ensuring people are equipped with the necessary information to protect themselves against CO poisoning. Our Carbon Monoxide Alarms will provide an alert to rising levels of carbon monoxide in your home and provide occupants with enough warning to take action before it is too late. Our battery powered solutions can be easily transported when travelling, to provide extra peace of mind. However, batteries should be removed from alarms before travel. All our CO alarms are certified to the latest EN50291-1:2018 Standards. Click to view our full range of CO products.
For guidance on CO alarm placement, check out our here.
If you are a landlord, read our blog on the latest regulations regarding CO safety for tenants.