Warning over gas threat

10:35am Friday 27th October 2006

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) last night issued a fresh warning about carbon monoxide poisoning.

The warning - urging homeowners and landlords to ensure their gas appliances were safe - was timed to coincide with increasingly colder weather as the winter draws near.

HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger said: "Fuel gas is safe, but if appliances are not properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent Corgi-registered installer, the gas may not burn properly, meaning carbon monoxide fumes are released.

"Approximately 20 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with gas appliances, a figure that could be reduced if people understood the risks and took sensible precautions."

Last month, a cross-party group of MPs called for all homes to be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors that sound audible alerts when the fumes - which cannot be seen, smelt or tasted - are emitted from a faulty appliance.

There were 20 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning nationally in the 12 months to March last year.

l The Northern Echo's Silent Killer campaign, launched in 1995, has repeatedly highlighted the dangers caused by faulty gas appliances and called for Government action on the issue.

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