Six tips for a gas safe workplace

Carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected to kill around 50 people in the UK every year, as well as hospitalising 200 others.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are particularly dangerous because the gas can’t be seen or smelt. Tension headaches are the most common sign of carbon monoxide poisoning, while other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

This Gas Safety Week, the National Accident Helpline is encouraging employers to think  bout taking six steps to protect employees from the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace.

1. Install a CO detector on every level of your workplace and ensure that batteries are replaced frequently.
2. Petrol or diesel driven generators, boilers, stoves and other appliances should be serviced regularly and safety checked once a year. Set a reminder so you don’t forget.
3. Check identification carefully to ensure that your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register. Find a Gas Safe engineer or call 0800 480 5500.
4. Be vigilant about heating devices in winter. Keep air vents on gas appliances unblocked and ensure there’s enough ventilation around them.
5. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your ear to the ground. If employees are experiencing symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, and these symptoms subside when they leave the worksite, this may be cause for concern.
6. If you suspect an employee or employees have been exposed to carbon monoxide, turn off all gas appliances, direct affected staff to a well ventilated area and call emergency services immediately.

Note: This information does not constitute formal advice. If you are in any doubt you should consult a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Beth Powell, marketing director, National Accident Helpline said: “Despite increased awareness about gas safety, we are still receiving a worrying number of calls related to incidents involving carbon monoxide.

“Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning, and most of these incidents occur during the winter months.  Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We are joining the Gas Safe Register in urging employers to take steps to ensure that their workplace is gas safe.”

Find out more about Gas Safety Week.

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