How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent but deadly threat that every household should take seriously. Knowing how to avoid CO poisoning is crucial in keeping you and your family safe.

This colourless, odourless gas forms when fuel-burning appliances don’t actually burn fuel properly or lack sufficient ventilation. High levels of carbon monoxide exposure can result in a range of symptoms, and in the worst-case scenario, can even be fatal.

Since this “silent killer” poison gas is impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector, it’s important to put a range of measures in place to prevent unintentional CO poisoning. From natural gas heaters and stoves to charcoal grills and everything in between, let’s take a look at how to reduce the potential health risks to you and your family.

Common CO Sources in Your Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) can come from many common household appliances and heating equipment. Any poorly installed or maintained fuel-burning device can produce carbon monoxide and lead to CO exposure. Common sources include:

• Heating equipment – Oil and gas furnaces, wood stoves, gas hot water systems.
• Cooking appliances – Gas stoves, gas ovens, gas ranges.
• Portable appliances – Charcoal barbecue grills, portable generators, snow blowers.
• Vehicles and garages – Running a car in an attached garage, even with the garage door open, can cause monoxide poisoning.

Whether you’re burning charcoal in the fireplace or simply cooking up a storm in the kitchen, knowing these sources is key to avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning at home.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Knowing how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning starts with home maintenance and the safe use of fuel-burning appliances.

If you have any gas-powered appliances in your home, make sure you have a licensed gas fitter install and service them. Call them for any carbon monoxide testing as well. Never run portable generators, charcoal grills or barbecue grills indoors or in an enclosed space like a detached garage. Even with the garage door open.

Keep vents and flues clear of blockages to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent fumes produced by combustion appliances from building up. Install carbon monoxide detectors and alarms throughout the house. Test them regularly and place them near sleeping areas for extra protection against CO exposure.

The Importance of CO Detectors and Alarms

While we’re talking about carbon monoxide detectors and alarms, installing them in your home is the only way to protect your family and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Since CO is odourless and invisible, a properly installed detector alarm is the only way to know if dangerous levels are present. Install CO detectors near bedrooms, living areas and any fuel-burning appliances like gas furnaces, gas stoves and gas water heaters. Test your CO alarms monthly and replace batteries regularly to ensure they work.

“But what about smoke detectors?” I hear you ask. “Will they do the job?”

Smoke detectors will certainly alert you to fires, but they won’t detect carbon monoxide. Installing both CO detectors and smoke detectors is the way to go for that extra layer of home safety.

The Importance of Using a Licensed Gas Fitter

We mentioned it earlier, but it bears repeating. Always use a licensed gas fitter for any CO testing, as well as installation, maintenance and repair of gas-powered appliances in your home. Doing so is essential to keeping your home safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Poorly installed gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide if they don’t burn fuel properly or there isn’t enough ventilation to expel the fumes. A qualified gas fitter will make sure these combustion appliances meet safety standards and work efficiently. Faulty appliances or heating equipment can cause leaks and increase the risk of unintentional CO poisoning.

Regular maintenance by a professional will nip problems in the bud ASAP and keep your home safe. Always use a licensed gas fitter for any fuel-burning devices.

CO Poisoning Symptoms to Look Out For

As we know, the colourless and odourless properties of carbon monoxide make its presence impossible to detect. It means that CO poisoning is also hard to diagnose. Symptoms typically resemble the common flu or food poisoning so it’s often easy to ignore.

If more than one person in the same enclosed space feels unwell, CO exposure could well be the cause. Common symptoms include:

• Severe headaches – A persistent headache with no explanation is a sign of CO exposure.
• Chest pain – CO reduces oxygen levels causing discomfort or tightness in the chest.
• Dizziness and confusion – Feeling lightheaded or disoriented is a warning sign.
• Nausea and vomiting – Symptoms will be like food poisoning but no fever.
• Fatigue and weakness – Prolonged exposure can cause exhaustion and unconsciousness.

If symptoms occur get out of the house immediately and call 000 or head straight to the emergency room for medical help.

What To Do If You are Exposed to Carbon Monoxide

You may follow all the “how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning” tips and recommendations in the world, but accidents can and do happen. If you suspect you or another household member has been exposed to carbon monoxide, it’s vital that you act quickly to protect yourself and others.

Leave the enclosed space immediately and get to fresh air. Do not attempt to ventilate the area or turn off fuel-burning appliances – your safety is your priority. Call emergency services on 000 to report the incident. If any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned occur, seek medical help at the emergency room. Avoid re-entering the home until a qualified gas fitter has inspected your gas appliances and CO alarms.

Taking immediate action can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from becoming life-threatening.

Stay Safe and Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Knowing how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning will help you immensely to steer clear of a serious but preventable risk.

Keeping your home safe starts with properly maintaining fuel-burning appliances, installing CO detectors, testing CO alarms and never using portable generators or charcoal grills indoors. You should always use a licensed gas fitter to install, service or repair gas appliances to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. If symptoms of CO poisoning occur, get out of the house ASAP and seek help.

By taking these precautions you will reduce the risk of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning and protect everyone in your home.

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