Emo Oil

‘Watch out’ for Carbon Monoxide

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) recently launched their hard hitting campaign ‘Watch Out. Carbon Monoxide Kills’. This campaign is being supported by the families of Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, who tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Castlerock, in August 2010.

Arlene Foster, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment commented: “In Northern Ireland over the past 10 years, 62 people have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning arising from the use of a range of fuels including oil, gas, coal and other solid fuels. This new campaign drives home the importance of having all fossil fuel boilers and appliances properly installed and serviced annually, to ensure that carbon monoxide is not produced. I would also strongly urge householders to install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in their home as an added precaution.

With the winter months upon us, and more people switching on their heating appliances, it is extremely important that homeowners are not complacent. By acting now and taking simple precautions lives can be saved.”

Mrs McFerran said: “We, alongside Aaron’s parents, have been through every parent’s worst nightmare. You read these stories and you hear these things on the news and you think, ‘I hope this never happens to my children’. I never want anyone to go through what we have been through and am therefore urging everyone to listen to the message of today’s campaign – carbon monoxide is a potential killer. Please take action to protect yourselves and your loved ones by having boilers and appliances serviced annually.”

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. If a carbon-based fuel does not burn properly, excess CO is produced which is poisonous. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning.

If you have appliances that use fossil fuels, make sure they are serviced and maintained regularly and by a competent person. Contact our Emo Boiler Services team today to get your boiler checked and serviced as soon as possible.

Call 028 9045 7501 or email ubs@emooil.com

Click here to open a pdf of the HSENI Watch Out Leaflet

For further advice visit www.hseni.gov.uk/watchout