Mike Hancock, MP says make a New Year’s resolution to protect yourself from the “silent killer” Carbon Monoxide poisoning

22/12/06

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) today called on constituents to protect themselves and their families by making a New Year’s resolution to play it safe with gas in 2007. In particular he is calling for them to have their gas appliances serviced and to install an audible carbon monoxide detector. On average carbon monoxide poisoning kills 40 people a year and injures 400. However the charity CO-gas safety feels that this is may be a serious underestimate as people who die suddenly are not routinely tested for CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer as the gas has no taste, colour or smell, and can kill without warning in a matter of hours. Symptoms can often be mistaken for flu, even by medical professionals, and include headaches, dizziness, nausea and exhaustion. Electronic detectors with an audible alarm are available, including from supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s for around £25. The charity, CO-Gas Safety recommends using an audible alarm rather than the “spot detectors”.

Mike Hancock said: “Fortunately many people have installed smoke alarms. Everyone should also consider installing an audible CO detector - £25 is not a lot for something that could save your and your family’s life. And they should make sure that they have their gas appliances regularly maintained by a CORGI-registered installer. I call on all my constituents to make a pledge to have their gas appliances checked by a CORGI-registered installer in 2007 and fit a CO detector.”

CORGI is the UK’s gas safety watchdog and it is a legal requirement for any business carrying out gas work in the UK to be registered with them. CORGI has recently launched its new website that provides all you need to know about gas safety in order to keep you an your loved ones safe, including information on CO detectors and how to check that your installer is registered and qualified to do the work you require.

For further information on gas safety or to find a CORGI registered installer in your area, log on to CORGI’s new and improved website www.trustcorgi.com or call the CORGI customer services team on 0870 401 2300. CO-Gas Safety’s website is at www.co-gassafety.co.uk.