Menu
26/11/2019
Public Urged To Fit Audible Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Members of the public are being urged to ensure their home has an audible carbon monoxide alarm.
While it is now compulsory for all new homes to have the alarms installed, the potentially life-saving devices should also be installed in older homes, local government services have advised.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer than poses a heightened risk when you are asleep. It can be present in homes with appliances that burn fossil fuels, but is difficult to detect as it is colourless, tasteless, odourless and non-irritating.
Audible alarms give an instant warning of dangerous levels.
NI Direct warned the public against relying on black spot labels or cards, as these are not recommended.
While anyone cane be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, children, students, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects.
Common symptoms to look out for include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Audible alarms can be purchased online an in a variety of different retailers, including DIY and hardware shops and most large supermarkets.
Before buying a carbon monoxide alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a CE or Kitemark. They should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
Particular attention should be given to the lifespan of the alarm, which can range from one to six years dependent on the manufacturer and the expected lifespan of the batteries. Some have replaceable/ removable units, while others are sealed in for the life of the unit.
Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, therefore fitting detectors at a low level is not recommended.
Never cover or paint over alarms once installed, and always test the alarm based on the manufacturer's instructions.
Click here for more information on how to keep your home safe.
(JG/CM)
While it is now compulsory for all new homes to have the alarms installed, the potentially life-saving devices should also be installed in older homes, local government services have advised.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer than poses a heightened risk when you are asleep. It can be present in homes with appliances that burn fossil fuels, but is difficult to detect as it is colourless, tasteless, odourless and non-irritating.
Audible alarms give an instant warning of dangerous levels.
NI Direct warned the public against relying on black spot labels or cards, as these are not recommended.
While anyone cane be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, children, students, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with heart or breathing problems are more vulnerable to its effects.
Common symptoms to look out for include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Audible alarms can be purchased online an in a variety of different retailers, including DIY and hardware shops and most large supermarkets.
Before buying a carbon monoxide alarm, always ensure it complies with British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a CE or Kitemark. They should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
Particular attention should be given to the lifespan of the alarm, which can range from one to six years dependent on the manufacturer and the expected lifespan of the batteries. Some have replaceable/ removable units, while others are sealed in for the life of the unit.
Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, therefore fitting detectors at a low level is not recommended.
Never cover or paint over alarms once installed, and always test the alarm based on the manufacturer's instructions.
Click here for more information on how to keep your home safe.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
30 September 2013
Teenagers' Mothers Back CO Campaign
The mothers of two teenage boys who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 have endorsed a new campaign urging people to install alarms in their homes. 18-year-olds Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran died in August 2010 at apartments in Castlerock, County L'Derry.
Teenagers' Mothers Back CO Campaign
The mothers of two teenage boys who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 have endorsed a new campaign urging people to install alarms in their homes. 18-year-olds Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran died in August 2010 at apartments in Castlerock, County L'Derry.
31 October 2012
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now A Legal Requirement
Carbon monoxide alarms are now a legal requirement for all new homes in Northern Ireland. The law follows the deaths of two teenagers from carbon monoxide poising at a holiday home in County L’Derry in August 2010. 18-year-old Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson died in an apartment near Coleraine.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now A Legal Requirement
Carbon monoxide alarms are now a legal requirement for all new homes in Northern Ireland. The law follows the deaths of two teenagers from carbon monoxide poising at a holiday home in County L’Derry in August 2010. 18-year-old Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson died in an apartment near Coleraine.
12 August 2010
CO Threat Alarms Stormont Ministers
There's a growing momentum to calls for the compulsory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new homes being built in Northern Ireland.
CO Threat Alarms Stormont Ministers
There's a growing momentum to calls for the compulsory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new homes being built in Northern Ireland.
24 June 2024
NIFRS Releases Public Summer Safety Advice
As more people spend time outdoors during the summer, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has called on the public to follow its simple safety advice.
NIFRS Releases Public Summer Safety Advice
As more people spend time outdoors during the summer, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has called on the public to follow its simple safety advice.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
