New research has revealed that despite a reduction in the number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, a worrying one in five UK homeowners have never had a gas safety check carried out on the gas appliances within their home.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in a single year, 43 people died due to accidental poisoning from carbon monoxide. A further 20 people died due to accidental poisoning by other gases and vapours, with 70% of these additional deaths occurring within the home.
The good news is that this number is on the decline. Accidental deaths from carbon monoxide fell by -7% on an annual basis and sit some -46% lower than a decade ago.
At the same time, accidental poisoning by other gases and vapours specifically within the home fell by -13% year on year and have more than halved (-52%) in the last 10 years.
While there is no legal obligation, a gas safety check is highly recommended, as any gas appliance could leave you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if faulty.
However, a survey of UK homeowners, commissioned by FariFix, found that despite the dangers posed by gas appliances, a worrying number of homeowners are failing to conduct the proper checks.
While half of those surveyed (51%) are carrying out the advised annual check of their gas appliances, 22% stated that they had never had a gas safety check in their home.
A further 14% stated that they couldn’t remember the last time they had done so.
Founder of Fair Fix, Tyrone Ekrem, commented:
“Over 40 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning and quite frankly this is 40 too many in this day and age.
The good news is that advancements in the quality and safety of gas appliances has no doubt contributed to a reduction in carbon monoxide deaths over the last decade, but it simply isn’t enough to trust the durability of your appliances to keep you and your family safe.
It’s understandable that the cost incurred may be a contributing factor, particularly at present with the cost of living remaining so high. However, with prices ranging from £30 to £150, it’s money very well spent if it avoids a tragedy within the home.”
One Response
Many people think a gas safety check is purely for the efficiency of their boiler etc. and regular maintenance does help reduce the amount of gas used BUT many people don’t realise that dirt and dust at the burner can reduce oxygen at the flame and then produce carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a deadly gas that cannot be sensed using human senses. Less than 2% of CO in the air can kill in between one and three minutes. CO alarms can be brilliant at preventing death or serious injury BUT firstly please make sure you buy a CO alarm to EN 50291 and from a reputable DIY or supermarket, not the Internet and secondly get it out of the box and pull the tab to connect the battery. It’s important to note that CO alarms are NOT health monitors and low levels of CO can cause brain damage. Even good CO alarms to EN 50291 are designed NOT to alarm until 30 Parts Per Million for TWO HOURS. The WHO guidelines are 4 PPM over 24 hours. Maintenance by well qualified engineers (with gas, he/she must be Gas Safe Registered) is vital to provide oxygen at the flame, good ventilation and general advice. As a home owner/occupier you want to PREVENT CO not stop it once you’ve been exposed to it.