Carbon Monoxide
CO and its part in Combustion (Fume) Spillage.
This question and answer article revisits the issue of Carbon Monoxide (CO) contained within the spillage of the products of combustion (POC).
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide (CO), is a colourless, tasteless, invisible gas that has no odour of its own and is often referred to as “the silent killer”. Temperature & density of the gas is also a factor in CO contamination How is Carbon Monoxide produced? Carbon Monoxide is produced when something interferes with the combustion (burning) process leading to the incomplete burning of ‘any’ fuel. There are many situations which can occur, causing interference of this burning process, leading to the production of elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the combustion gasses for example; A lack of oxygen to support combustion A problem in providing adequate ventilation A problem with the flames touching cooler surfaces A problem with the flames touching other flames A problem with flame stability / retention What fuels can produce carbon monoxide? Fuels that can produce carbon monoxide when burnt include; Natural gas, LPG, Oil, Wood, Coal, Peat, Petrol, Diesel and many others. Biomass wood pellet stores generate carbon monoxide during the decay of the material fuel. Cigarettes are also a source of carbon monoxide What fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide? Any appliance, machine or device burning a fuel (excluding electricity & Nuclear) has the potential to produce carbon monoxide, under certain conditions. Central heating boilers, range cookers, mobile room heaters, open fires, closed stoves (flued & flueless), gas cookers and other devices are examples of equipment that can create a risk to life & property. Domestic charcoal-fuelled Barbeques (fixed and portable) are particularly dangerous, often emitting lethal quantities of carbon monoxide just after use and if not stored correctly, can constitute a serious threat to life. Flueless appliances including fuel-burning generators, space heaters, paraffin lamps and camping devices used for lighting, heating and cooking are included within this category.
Extract from our Confined Spaces Training module.
Therefore; anything we breath in to our lungs that does not contain; 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen and 1% Argon constitutes a Hazard to Health! The oxygen content of the air we inhale, is taken up by the red blood cells and transported to other cells and organs of the body. When carbon monoxide is inhaled into the lungs, the red blood cells prefer CO over oxygen. This results in carbon monoxide being taken up by the blood and transported around the body instead of oxygen. This leads to a condition known as Carboxyhaemoglobin. As the concentration of carbon monoxide increases in the blood, less oxygen is being absorbed into the blood stream. Because carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelt nor tasted, a person may be exposed to such a degree, often leading to complete incapacitation. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to long-term health conditions and can be fatal.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include any of the following: Drowsiness Dizziness Headaches Watering eyes Palpitations Sickness Stomach pains Diarrhoea Weakness Breathlessness Confusion Collapse Unconsciousness Death Given the number of conditions listed above, it is little wonder CO poisoning can be confused with other medical conditions and of course, vice-versa. It must be emphasised that carbon monoxide poisoning may affect different people in different ways. Are there any other products / gasses produced or released during the burning of fuels? Yes there are. Some are toxic (poisonous), others are an irritant, some carcinogenic, and some are a normal by-product of the burning process for example, Carbon dioxide and water vapour.
Are these gasses restricted to domestic properties / settings?
No they are not.
It has been necessary to test atmospheres for other contaminants within commercial and Industrial establishments, some of which may be highly toxic or explosive.
Shown below –
Determining Lower Explosive limit, Volatile Organic Compounds and Hydrogen Sulphide, in addition to carbon monoxide and oxygen content using the MultiRAE 5-gas analyser.
Should I have a CO detector fitted in my home? Yes, you should if you have a fuel burning appliance fitted in your home. The requirements for CO alarms in both rented and owned properties in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These requirements cover CO alarms in all rented homes and when boilers (fires, stoves etc) are installed in new and existing homes, both owned and rented. The key elements are: CO alarms are mandatory in rooms with any fixed-combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) in privately rented homes and social housing CO alarms are also mandatory when any fixed combustion appliance is installed or replaced, excluding gas cookers, in all homes. Smoke alarms are mandatory in all social housing. This was already a requirement in privately rented homes. These requirements are set out in the updated edition of Approved Document J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, which came into effect on 1 October 2022. The Approved Document also sets out guidance on the types of CO alarm to be fitted: They should comply with BS EN 50291 They should be powered by a battery designed to operate for their working life and be able to alert users when this is coming to its end Alternatively, a mains-powered alarm with fixed wiring (not plug-in) should be fitted, provided that the alarm has a sensor failure warning device. Alarms should have an output function for triggering ancillary devices such as remote alarms or specialist alarms for older people and those with disabilities.
Who would fit a CO detector in my home? Fitting CO alarms upon the installation of new and replacement fixed-combustion appliances in existing dwellings will most likely be carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers or those working within a Building Regulations competent person scheme. Compliance of the work with the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 is self-certificated. What should I do if I have or think I may have been exposed to carbon monoxide? If you have a carbon monoxide detector that has activated (sounded the alarm) and/or you suspect that you have been exposed to the spillage of combustion products (Fumes) within your property, the following instructions must be observed: - Where safe to do so; Extinguish all sources of ignition Turn off the appliance (and if gas, turn off supply at the gas meter or storage tank/bottles) Open doors and windows to ventilate the property Do not smoke Do not operate electrical lights or power switches (either turning on or off) Carbon monoxide is a flammable gas. Leave the property and go outside into the fresh air and ensure the property can be accessed by emergency service providers Contact the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 (or the relevant service provider for your area to advise them of the situation and follow their instructions If you have an LPG installation, you can still contact the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 for advice Furthermore: - If you are suffering from what you believe to be carbon monoxide poisoning then also; Get to a safe area away from any suspected source of CO Contact the NHS service on 111 for more advice or make your way to A&E without delay Contact the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 to inform them of the situation, they will attend and make safe the installation If someone you are with is experiencing severe symptoms, call 999 for an Ambulance or get to A&E at once If NHS personnel attend the address, it is imperative they do not enter the property, as a risk may exist from CO in the building Follow the instructions provided by any NHS staff and also the Gas Emergency Service
What will the Gas Emergency Service do? When you contact the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, they will ask you some questions about your current situation/emergency. Please ensure you provide as much information as possible and answer all questions honestly! The Gas Emergency Service will dispatch an emergency operative to your address and if they determine a gas safety issue exists, they will make safe the installation. It is important that you follow all advice given to you by the Gas Emergency Service.
Will the Gas Emergency Service repair my appliance? No they will not! Their primary responsibility is the protection of life and the protection of property. They will make safe any natural gas installation considered to be AT RISK or IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS! They will advise you to contact a Gas Safe Registered engineer and for you to instruct that engineer to inspect any gas appliance and to check it is safe to use. If you require an investigation undertaken to determine if carbon monoxide has been leaking into your home from an appliance, or other source, you must ensure the Gas Safe Registered engineer is qualified to carry out this level of investigation.
Do the Gas Emergency Service deal with things other than gas? No, they do not. The Gas Emergency Service deal with safety issues involving Natural Gas. You can contact them for advice about Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety issues.
Can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in my home? Yes, there are things that can be undertaken to significantly reduce the risk associated with the production / spillage of the products of combustion into your property. Ensure that any appliance machine or device that burns fuel, is suitable for the purpose intended and in good condition Ensure it has been installed correctly by a suitably qualified engineer / installer and used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions Ensure any appliance, machine or device is inspected, serviced or repaired by a suitably qualified engineer / installer in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Ensure that any defective appliances, machines and devices that cannot be repaired, should be made safe and removed completely from any source of fuel by a suitably qualified engineer / installer. Ensure flues / Chimneys are installed correctly by a suitably qualified engineer and inspected / tested once a year by a suitably qualified chimney sweep, This applies to Oil & Gas flues and not just solid fuel. Ensure any ventilation provided for the safe operation of any appliance, machine or device, does not become obstructed, sealed off or otherwise rendered inoperative Have a carbon monoxide detector of a type that complies with BS EN 50291 installed in each room or area containing a fuel burning appliance, machine or device If you suspect any appliance, machine or device that burns a fuel, has become defective or is operating in a manner not consistent with that indicated by the manufacturer, turn off all power and fuel to the affected unit and seek advise immediately!
If you see soot staining, or the yellowing/ browning of surfaces / fabrics on or around any fuel burning appliances or their flue systems or; You notice unusual smells when the appliance is being used, experience any difficulties in breathing or suffer eye, nose or throat irritation when an appliance is being used, TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY and contact a suitably qualified engineer to investigate this, as your life may be at risk!
Where can I get further advice about safety for fuel burning appliances?
Further information can be obtained from the following organisations:
For Natural Gas & LPG appliances – Contact Gas Safe Register
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
For oil fired appliances – Contact OFTEC
www.oftec.org
For wood and coal burning appliances – Contact HETAS
www.hetas.co.uk
For Chimneys & Flues – Contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps
nacs.org.uk
For specific advice on Carbon Monoxide issues – Contact the following organisations:
CO Gas Safety - The Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society
www.co-gassafety.co.uk
RoSPA – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/carbon-monoxide-hub/carbon-monoxide-general-public?
For advice on Health & Safety – Visit the HSE website
www.hse.gov.uk
For any other equipment, machinery or device not covered by the organisations listed above, find and contact the specific manufacturer or their appointed Distributor/Representative for further advice.