Carbon monoxide

• Ensure your boiler and gas appliances are installed correctly and serviced annually by a Registered Gas Installer.
• Choose room-sealed appliances for your home.  With room-sealed appliances, fresh air for the combustion process comes from outside of the building and emissions are then discharged outside.
• Ensure the rooms in your home containing heating appliances are properly ventilated - never block vents.
• Make sure all chimneys and flues are regularly swept and kept clear.
• If you are concerned that an appliance is not operating safely, arrange for an appliance safety inspection by contacting your gas supplier or a Registered Gas Installer.
• For appliances that burn other fuels such as oil or solid fuel, ensure that they are installed and serviced regularly by a qualified service agent for your fuel type.
• Use fuel-burning appliances correctly and for the purposes they were intended.  For example, never use a cooker to heat a room, never use a gas grill with the door closed and never use appliances inside that are intended for outside use (e.g. barbecues).
• For more information visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie

Signs of carbon monoxide may include:

• Staining, sooting or discolouring around an appliance
• Condensation on your windows
• A strange smell when an appliance is on (remember:  carbon monoxide itself has no smell, but other fumes produced by burning may smell)

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu.
If you, or anyone in your house, experience any of the following symptoms when using a gas appliance, or any fuel burning appliance, and you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning turn it off immediately and seek medical advice.

• Drowsiness
• Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
• Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains
• Sudden dizziness when standing up
• General lethargy 

Other signs include:

• Symptoms occurring when a particular appliance is on
• Others in the property (including pets) suffering similar symptoms
• Symptoms improving when you are away from the property

Do not use/ turn on the appliance until it has been inspected by a Registered Gas Installer or a qualified service agent for your fuel type.

For more information visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie

Regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys are the best ways to protect you and your family from the danger of carbon monoxide, but for added protection you should install one or more carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

Choosing a carbon monoxide alarm

Make sure the alarm:

• Complies with European Standard EN 50291
• Carries the CE mark and a mark of independent certification (e.g. Kitemark)
• Is marked with an 'end of life' indicator
• Is audible; a visual indicator alone is no use if you're asleep

Alarms are available in most hardware and DIY stores and even some of the larger supermarkets.

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm

Some registered gas installers will supply and fit carbon monoxide alarms in addition to servicing your appliances.  If fitting the alarm yourself, follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

More than one alarm may be required to offer full protection.  It is recommended that you have an alarm in every room that has a fuel-burning appliance and one within 5 m (16 ft) of every bedroom. 

Test your alarm monthly and replace it when it reaches the end of its life.

Remember, a carbon monoxide alarm is not a substitute for a smoke alarm.

Rented accommodation

Under the Housing (Standards for Rented Accommodation) Regulations landlords are legally responsible for installing carbon monoxide alarm(s) where required.

Failure to comply with the minimum standards can result in penalties and prosecution. Local authorities can issue Improvement Notices and Prohibition Notices to landlords who breach the minimum standards regulations.

For more details visit gov.ie - Minimum standards in rented accommodation

For more information on carbon monoxide alarms visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie/carbon-monoxide-alarms

In some properties the flues from some gas appliances can run for long distances behind ceiling or wall panels. If a hidden flue becomes disconnected it will not be visible and could present a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Irish Standards now require access panels and carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in locations where there are hidden flues. Your Registered Gas Installer will advise you if this is required in your property.

Visit our interactive carbon monoxide house to learn more about the potential sources of carbon monoxide in and around your home and some key safety measures to protect you and your family.