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Carbon Monoxide

Writer's picture: Oil Fired South WestOil Fired South West

CO and its part in Combustion (Fume) Spillage.


Fume Monitor
Fume Monitor

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”.

 

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.

 

Incinerators can also produce high levels of carbon monoxide, because of the quantity of different materials being burnt.

 

Domestic, commercial and industrial processes involving the welding of metals are a source of carbon monoxide production (in addition to many other toxic substances released).

 

Vehicle workshops can also experience elevated levels of ambient carbon monoxide.

 

 

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 manufacturer’s instructions

·        Ensure any appliance, machine or device is inspected, serviced or repaired by a

suitably qualified engineer / installer in accordance with the manufacturer’s

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 advice 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!

 


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