Be Gas Safe

Reduce Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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You can't see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly and with no warning.

Welcome to the website for a new programme launched by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Gas Safe Charity to raise awareness of the "silent killer" - carbon monoxide - which will see 10,000 families receiving a free CO detector and many more receiving safety information.

According to the Department of Health, each year in England and Wales, there are approximately 50 accidental deaths, 200 non-fatal poisonings that require hospital admission and 4,000 visits to A&E that result from CO poisoning. Children and older people are particularly at risk.

The "Be Gas Safe" programme aims to make people aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and the steps that can be taken to prevent CO poisoning, such as the need for regular servicing of fuel-burning appliances, good ventilation and the use of audible CO detectors.

With gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or ventilated known to be among the causes of CO poisoning, the key focus of the new three-year programme will be sharing information and advice about how to stay "gas safe".

Tips on reducing the risk of CO poisoning

  • For gas appliances, use a Gas Safe registered engineer for installation and annual services. Always check that an engineer's capabilities, which are listed on the back of his or her identity card, include the job you want doing. If you live in rented property, ask your landlord to show you the property's gas safety record.
  • Consult your fuel supplier or professional heating engineer for the regular servicing of other fuel-burning appliances
  • Rooms should be well ventilated and chimneys or flues swept regularly
  • Fit an audible CO alarm, but remember this should be in addition to the other actions

Know the signs of CO poisoning, which include:

  • Prolonged flu-like symptoms; (If other members of the household (including pets) are suffering similar symptoms this may provide further indication that it is CO poisoning)
  • Gas appliances burning with orange, instead of blue, flames
  • Sooty stains on or near appliances
  • Excessive condensation in the room; and coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out.

Local partners sign up to Be Gas Safe Programme

Local partners across the country from Durham to Devon have signed up to participate in the Be Gas Safe programme. Partners in 16 areas across England and Wales include, Fire Services, local authorities, charitable groups such as Age UK and YWCA, housing associations and home improvement agencies. Local partnerships will receive at least 100 Carbon Monoxide alarms to distribute to vulnerable households and will lead a carbon monoxide awareness raising programme in their area.

During the first phase of the programme over 2500 CO alarms will be distributed and it is hoped that ten times as many households will receive information and advice on gas safety and the dangers of CO poisoning.

There will be further opportunities for more partners to receive CO alarms in later stages of the programme although partners can register their interest and become involved in raising awareness about CO and gas safety at any time. We would be pleased to hear from you via our contact us page.

PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately we are not able to deal with individual requests for carbon monoxide detectors.

RoSPA acknowledges and thanks Gas Safe Charity and Gas Safe Register for the gas safety information provided on this website.