With the cold weather approaching, it is common for people to start using other heat sources. You may also have had to add portable heaters such as propane and kerosene in your garage or woodstoves in your family room. The addition of these heating systems brings with it new safety issues and additional precautions. You can get the best CO2 meter in this sites.
It is possible for anyone to be poisoned with carbon monoxide. It is important to understand the potential risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and learn how to minimise them.
What exactly does Carbon Monoxide (CO), mean?
The gas itself is invisible and has no smell or taste. Once inhaled, this invisible gas travels quickly through the bloodstream into your brain and to your heart. Any oxygen is displaced. Carbon monoxide is often misdiagnosed as the flu because symptoms at low levels are very similar. Some of the most common side effects are lethargy. dizziness. headaches. irritability. confusion. and nausea.
How is it made?
Carbon monoxide results from incomplete burning fossil fuels, including gasoline, wood products, coal, kerosene and oil. Carbon monoxide is created when there is not enough air available to burn the fuel.
Carbon Monoxide – Sources
Other heating systems, such as wood stoves and furnaces are also common sources. Fireplaces, fireplaces, dryers and water heaters. In the garden, think about charcoal BBQs and any gasoline-powered tools, like a lawnmower generator, weed trimming tool or rototiller. Cars left running inside a garage could leak carbon dioxide into your house through doors that are partially or improperly sealed.
What should you look out for?
Insufficient ventilation or poorly adjusted or maintained heating or burning systems can cause carbon monoxide to be produced. A poorly maintained appliance will not burn properly. Run it in an enclosed or tightly-sealed space.
Taking the Right Steps to Minimize Risk
A professional should check all fuel burning systems and their ventilation systems every year, regardless of whether they’re in working order. The potential for problems to occur can be detected before the problem occurs. By performing regular cleanings and maintenance, you can avoid them altogether and prolong the life of your device.
The batteries of CO alarms are to be replaced at least annually. You should test your CO detectors after you have changed the time.
A CO alarm is essential if any of your appliances, stoves, fireplaces, or garages burn fuel. Locate units next to bedroom with extra alarms where necessary. Even CO alarms can wear down; older units may need replacing.
What happens in the event that an alarm goes off?
On hearing the CO alarms, you should turn off or unplug all systems and appliances that use fuel. You can also open your windows and door. You should be aware that the source could come from your own home. To find out where the carbon monoxide is coming from, call in a technician.
If someone becomes ill as a consequence of CO exposure note the symptoms. Contact 911 to report the issue, the number ill and their symptoms. Nobody should enter the house before the source of CO has been removed.