Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, which has no colour, taste or smell. Exposure to quite low levels can cause brain damage or death.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of flu and other virus infections. They include drowsiness, weakness, headaches, nausea and pains in the chest.

If anyone in your home has any of these symptoms while a gas appliance is being used, stop using the appliance until it has been checked and consult a doctor.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can affect the way the brain works, so people affected can’t always tell that anything is wrong or take any action before it’s too late.

Carbon monoxide can build up to lethal levels in a home because:

• faulty appliances are not repaired or replaced
• flues are blocked or not working properly
• not enough air is getting in to the building to keep the gas burning properly in the appliance

We fit carbon monoxide alarms at each gas appliance in your home. The alarms are battery operated. The batteries last for six years. We will replace the alarm every six years.

If carbon monoxide is present you will hear a continuous bleep. You should contact Transco at once - phone 0800 111 999 and where possible:

• turn the gas off at the meter;
• open the windows and doors to let the gas out;
• put out any naked flames;
• do not turn any electrical switches or sockets on or off; and
• tell us.