CARBON MONOXIDE - THE SILENT KILLER
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CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS - Look for EN50291 standard on packaging and products
- These audio alarms are designed and tested for use in homes.
- The alarms will provide an audio warning when carbon monoxide is present in the home. The CO alarms are reliable, easy to use and an inexpensive way of protecting you and your family for the dangers of CO poisoning.
- Types of alarm - these can be battery powered and allows the alarm to be portable or mains powered for continuous protection in the home. Some alarms have a digital readout showing CO current and peak levels.
- Alarms must carry an CE mark and should be tested and certified to EN50291:2001 (European standard).
- COGDEM does not recommend none audio alarms, these are often referred to as patches, spots, blobs or visual indicators as these require constant monitoring and will not wake you or alert you with an audio alarm in case of an emergency.
- Alarms are readily available from DIY and high street stores as well as from the internet and typically carry a one to six year guarantee.
- Always read the instructions when installing your alarm, especially testing and care.
FLUE GAS ANALYSERS -
- These handheld precision devise can check the levels and flow of CO in flues connected to boilers, fires and heaters in the home. They can also help identify the source CO and determine which appliance needs attention. Many Flue gas analysers can also check ambient levels of CO in a home.
- Flue gas analysers should be carried and used by gas supply companies and used during annual appliance services, call outs to suspected CO incidents to identify the source of the CO leak.
- Types of alarm - many analysers can detect multiple gas types, some analysers can provide a printout of CO levels found leaking from an appliance which can be evidence and proof for medical personnel.
- As with all high precision electronic devises Flue Gas Analysers need to be maintained and services to ensure perfect accuracy in readings.
Use of Carbon Monoxide alarms and Flue Gas analysers are not substitutes for the following:
- All appliances should be checked annually by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer..
- Have chimneys swept each year
- Landlords are legally required to ensure that the annual check is carried out.
- Free safety checks are available to those over 60, disabled, chronically sick, deaf or blind who join their suppliers Priority Service Register.