Kidde KN-COPD-3-UK What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds, Indicators of Possible CO Leaks

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What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds

•Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year.

•Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all fuel- burning appliances.

•Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections, visible rust or stains.

•Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use, and provide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater.

•Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:

–Decreasing hot water supply

–Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly

–Sooting, especially on appliances

–Unfamiliar or burning odour

–Yellow or orange flame

•Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning:

–headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation.

•Recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family members suffer from flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but improve when they leave home for extended periods of time.

Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide:

Indicators of Possible CO Leaks

•Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel- burning appliances.

•A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem with natural gas appliances.

•Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.

•Loose or missing furnace panel.

•Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms.

•Loose or disconnected vent/chimney, fireplace or appliance.

•Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe.

•Rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home.

•The absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage).

•Fallen soot from the fireplace chimney.

•Loose, damaged or discoloured bricks on your chimney.

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