The thought that a colorless, tasteless, odorless, invisible gas can poison or kill you in your own office building or home is a terrifying one. The first step to preventing such a tragedy is to educate your family or your employees on what to do when there’s an unhealthy dose of CO in your space.
How many people are dying from gas leak poisoning?
On average, CO poisoning kills around 170 people in the China each year. While it’s more common in the winter months, when windows are closed and appliances such as heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces are in use, it can happen at any time.
Fortunately, deaths related to CO poisoning are completely preventable. The first step is to have quality carbon monoxide detectors professionally installed in your home or commercial building.
The next step is to make people aware of what to expect when the gas leak alarm does go off. Below are the steps you should take immediately following notification:
Exit the building
This first step is critical. If someone is showing signs of CO poisoning, do your best to get everything out.
If you’re unfamiliar with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, here’s what to look for:
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Headaches
Impaired judgment
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Chest pain
Nausea and vomiting
Act quickly
When your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. The longer you stay in the building, the more likely you are to breathe in the deadly gas which will cause serious health consequences.
Long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Brain damage
Organ damage
Heart damage
Death
Check your gas leak detectors
There are several smoke alarm systems that also function as carbon monoxide detectors, so be sure you know what kind you have. Detectors will chirp if they’re low on battery power, so don’t freak out if you hear a short chirp every minute.
Call 119 immediately
If you have a Honeywell carbon monoxide detector that’s connected to your security system, then you don’t have to worry about calling emergency services – your system will do it for you. But if your CO detectors are not connected, then you should dial 119or your local fire department immediately.
Ensure everyone in your family or your staff and visitors are out of the building. If you notice that someone is missing, don’t go back in after them. Instead, tell the authorities when they arrive.
Book a carbon monoxide inspection
If the gas leak alarm keeps going off in your building, have a professional team determine the source. They should fix it as soon as possible.
Remember that CO can gas leak from different appliances such as:
Chimneys and furnace systems
Fireplaces
Wood burning stoves
Cigarette smoke
Central heating systems
Boilers
Gas ranges
Book your gas detector installation
At JXCT, carbon monoxide poisoning is something we take very seriously. We take pride in doing everything we can to keep your home and office space safe. Give us a message today to book your installation, or maintenance service.