Council Issues Carbon Monoxide Advice for East Riding Businesses, Residents and Visitors

The council is writing to holiday caravan sites to remind them of their requirements in relation to gas appliances.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council, along with partners in health and Fire and Rescue, are providing advice about carbon monoxide.

Councllor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection said:

“We know that most companies understand their duty in terms of annual gas safety checks, but we would like to reinforce the importance of businesses ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of gas appliances, alongside installation of carbon monoxide alarms.

“We also want to provide residents and visitors with simple information about what they should expect, and look out for, when booking holiday accommodation. Alongside this we want people to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if they think they, or someone they are with, may have been affected by ingesting carbon monoxide.”

Advice for businesses

Businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure gas appliances, such as boilers and heaters are safe. Gas appliances should be -

•     Serviced annually by a Gas Safe–registered engineer
•     Tested for safe operation, including flues and ventilation
•     Maintained in a safe condition throughout their use
•     Supported by working carbon monoxide alarms installed in appropriate locations

Advice for booking holiday accommodation and what to check

With more people booking holidays online, it’s worth taking time to check key health and safety information before booking, as well as upon arrival. Here’s what to look out for -

• Check for evidence of gas safety measures: listings should mention annual servicing of boilers and gas appliances and look for confirmation that a Gas Safe–registered engineer carries out checks. If you’re unsure, ask the host directly for reassurance - responsible operators will be happy to confirm.
• Look for carbon monoxide (CO) alarm information: Properties with gas boilers, heaters, or solid fuel stoves must have working CO alarms, and listings should state that alarms are installed and tested. When you arrive, check for CO alarms and test them using the button. Consider taking a CO detector with you.
• Review recent guest feedback: check whether other guests mention cleanliness, maintenance, heating systems, or general safety. Be cautious about properties with repeated comments about faulty equipment, damp, smells, or poor upkeep.
• On arrival trust your instincts: If the accommodation feels unsafe, has strong smells, leaking appliances, missing alarms, or anything that concerns you, contact the site operator immediately.  Operators should provide clear instructions on how to contact site staff, how to report concerns and what to do in an emergency.
• Report any safety concerns to the site operator. If you aren't satisfied with the operator’s response, you can report safety concerns to the Health and Safety team within the local council. In East Riding report at: Health.Safety@eastriding.gov.uk. 

Advice about the symptoms of ingesting carbon monoxide and what to do

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. It can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. It is colourless and does not smell so you cannot tell if it is around you.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, dizziness, feeling sick or being sick, feeling weak, tiredness and confusion, chest and muscle pain, shortness of breath, loss of vision, your face turning hot and red. Symptoms can come and go and may get better when you leave an affected room or go outside.

If you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning:

•     Stop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide – such as the boiler, cooker or heater
•     Open windows and doors to let fresh air in
•     Go outside
•     Get medical advice as soon as possible
•     Do not go back into the affected building until you've received professional advice

If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Find out more about carbon monoxide: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/