Fortunately, although you can’t see or smell the gas, it’s easy to see when there is a strong risk of it being produced. Simply look at your gas or heating appliances.
You can tell if a gas appliance is working correctly by looking at the flame. If it’s bright blue, it’s healthy. If it’s yellowy orange, this is evidence of a possible carbon monoxide presence.
Other signs to look for include brownish-yellow stains around the appliance, pilot lights that frequently blow out and heavy condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.
You are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if:
- Your appliance was poorly installed
- Your appliance is not working properly
- Your appliance has not been safety checked and serviced regularly
- There is not enough fresh air in the room
- Your chimney or flue is blocked
- You allow illegal gas workers to install or maintain your appliances
It is extremely dangerous to block a gas appliance’s air vents. Blocking ventilation or misusing your appliance – for example, using a cooker as a heating appliance – can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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