Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide safety in your home
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas produced by unsafe gas or solid fuel appliances. You cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, but it can be deadly – it’s known as the silent killer.
What to do in a carbon monoxide emergency
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a carbon monoxide leak:
- Get fresh air immediately – open doors and windows.
- Switch off appliances and leave the property.
- Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Seek medical attention and tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you believe there is immediate danger from a gas appliance, call 0800 111 999.
What are the risks in your home?
Any fuel that burns can produce carbon monoxide if there is not enough ventilation. This includes:
- Gas, coal, wood, coke, biofuel, oil, petrol, and diesel.
- Appliances such as fires, cookers, stoves, room heaters, water heaters, and barbecues.
Key safety tip: Keep appliances serviced and ensure your home is well ventilated.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Look out for these six main symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms may disappear when you leave home and pets may also show signs.
What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
- Get fresh air immediately.
- Open doors and windows.
- Switch off appliances and leave the property.
- Seek medical attention and inform them about suspected carbon monoxide exposure.
- Call 0800 111 999 if there is immediate danger.
Warning signs of unsafe appliances
Apart from the symptoms you, others, or your pets may experience in your home there are some other signs of a carbon monoxide leak:
- Lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue.
- Dark staining around appliances.
- Pilot lights frequently blowing out.
- Increased condensation inside windows.
How to stay safe
- As a tenant of Newark and Sherwood District Council, you can contact us to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed free of charge.
- Never block vents, grills, air bricks, or flues.
- Do not use barbecues, generators, or portable fuel-burning appliances indoors.
- Do not sleep in the same room as a back boiler or solid fuel appliance.
- If you suspect a fault with your heating, do not use it – call us on 01636 650 000
Testing and Maintenance
- Test your carbon monoxide alarm every month.
- If your carbon monoxide alarm is faulty, contact us on 01636 650 000
- We will carry out regular property checks and ensure all fuel-burning appliances are safe. You can check your next appointment via the MyHome
Important: A carbon monoxide alarm is a useful backup but not a substitute for proper installation and maintenance by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Contact Us
- Manage your appointments via MyHome
- Call us 01636 650 000