Cambridge residents prepare for Carbon Monoxide Awareness week

Frontline 100

Residents in Cambridgeshire may be preparing to check their gas detection equipment ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.

With Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week just around the corner, residents in Cambridgeshire are being reminded to check their gas detection equipment.

Beginning on November 19th, the event is designed to highlight the dangers of the poisonous gas to residents and workers throughout the region.

According to Huntingdonshire Council, carbon monoxide kills approximately 50 people per year in England and Wales and leads to at least 4,000 hospital admissions.

The danger exists in both homes and the workplace and anywhere that fossil fuel is burnt can be at risk.

This means that any premises where wood, coal, oil or gas are used as a fuel source should have effective gas detection solutions in place to protect those living or working there.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headaches, abdominal pains, sore throats, dizziness and dry coughs.

These indicators also come with the absence of fever, helping to differentiate it from other illnesses. As cases become more severe, seizures, drowsiness, breathing difficulties, confusion and loss of consciousness are not uncommon.

As well as ensuring there is adequate gas detection equipment in place, residents and bosses should ensure their appliances are serviced annually by a registered gas installer, registered oil technician or qualified service agent for the respective fuel type.

The servicing of gas detection equipment is something which Frontline Safety can offer. Visit the service and calibration page on the website for more information.

National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is led by the carbon monoxide awareness organisation CO-Awareness.

Founder Lynn Griffiths explained that people are slowly becoming more aware of the silent killer.

"This is important work and I believe we have succeeded in getting our message across and in saving many people from suffering and the possibility of premature death," she said.

Written by Chris Malone