Normal Operation
Where CO Comes From
Inside your home, fuel burning appliances used for heating and cook- ing are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
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When appliances are in good working condition and with proper venti- lation, lethal CO gas is vented outdoors where it quickly disperses. Even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of the above sources can lead to a
You don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a CO problem. Today’s more
What You Can do to Protect Your Family
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel- burning appliances, their chimneys, and vents in good working condi- tion. Learn the early symptoms of CO exposure. If you suspect CO poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood test can confirm that CO has caused the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular mainte- nance of your appliances. Contact a qualified Corgi installer or Transco (British Gas) for assistance.
Remember, problems can begin after an inspection has been complet- ed. CO can come from sources such as a crack in a furnace heat exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a bird’s nest blocking a flue. Other sources of CO are nearly impossible to detect; even a change in the air pressure outside can turn a normally safe situation deadly. That’s why you need the
Home Safety Tips
What You Can Do...
•Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
•Choose
•Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals and should be inspected by the proper authority after installation.
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