How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Essential Tips
Introduction
Carbon monoxide poisoning - is one of the most sinister ways to die because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are so generic you’d think that something a little less serious is happening. However, carbon monoxide poisoning is very real, ask the 12 people who perished in Georgia earlier this week. While you might be a little too late to help someone else, it always helps to know how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from happening.
Know the Risks of What You’re Being Exposed to
Remember - anything that burns fuel, like a furnace, fireplace, gas appliance, generator or vehicle, is going to produce carbon monoxide, a toxic by-product. If you are thorough in maintaining and venting your equipment, this colourless, odourless gas can get easily dispersed and safely vented.
If you don’t, and if you inhale this gas by mistake, it can cause serious health concerns. At lower concentrations, you start experiencing symptoms such as a headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Well, the span of time is very less, as if the concentration of carbon monoxide increases, you can quickly lose your consciousness and die.
Stop Operating Engines in a Confined Space
It is critical that you ensure that you have proper ventilation to avoid a situation of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t operate a car, fire up a grill or a stove, or even run a generator in a closed space such as a basement or a garage. And don’t think that “I can leave the garage door open, carbon monoxide won’t build up”.
Remember. Carbon monoxide gas can build up quickly to highly toxic levels. Before you know it, you’ll feel dizzy, have a headache, feel nauseated and then suddenly you’re staring death in the face. Also, do not run your car engine in the garage because you want it to warm up before you start driving it. This is a classic way of inviting carbon monoxide poisoning into your life.
Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
If you have fireplaces, fuel-combusting appliances, or an attached garage, install a carbon monoxide leakage detector. The laws or building codes require alarms outside each sleeping area, on each level of your house, and in other locations.
Certain detectors can even be interconnected throughout your house, so if one goes off, so do the others. Installing alarms is your best bet for avoiding carbon monoxide exposure.
Maintain Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Installing the alarm system is just the beginning. Make sure you maintain it regularly. Most alarms are fitted with a battery backup to ensure constant operation even in the event of a power failure. But just like with other appliances, you have to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms.
If there is a multi-day power cut, keep a steady supply of batteries ready. Keep the alarm dust-free and test and replace units as often as necessary. Carbon monoxide detector installation and service will ensure you are safeguarded from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep Your Fireplaces Clean and Sufficiently Ventilated
Remember - a burning fire is always going to release carbon monoxide, so make sure that if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, you keep it clean and ensure that it is working properly. Even if there’s no raging fire and just embers, let them smoulder and let the gases escape. Don’t stand next to it because doing so will mean inhaling carbon monoxide fumes. Ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is your best bet.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Buildup
Make sure you prevent carbon monoxide buildup by ensuring that your heating appliances are in proper working order and that you’re using them in a well-ventilated area. Doing so will ensure that the carbon monoxide fumes that are generated by combustion dissipate into the atmosphere and don’t end up in your lungs, where they could cause immense harm. Make sure you practise the safe use of fuel-burning appliances so you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
So, you’ve taken every precaution to ensure you don’t fall prey to carbon monoxide. Suppose you suspect a leak. There’s no reason to panic. Open your windows and allow fresh air into your house. If you notice that you’ve been spending too much time in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance, check for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, like headache, nausea, dizziness or confusion, before moving to a well-ventilated area. Always carry out inspections of heating systems to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and mishaps.
Get a Technician for Inspection
If you have too many appliances at home that are at risk of producing carbon monoxide when they are used, get a technician to inspect them periodically to ensure that they aren’t producing too much carbon monoxide in the house.
A seasoned technician will be able to tell whether a particular appliance requires repair or not and whether it is at risk of giving out carbon monoxide or not. Make sure you practise carbon monoxide and home safety to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous. Make sure that you don’t expose yourself to carbon monoxide poisoning because doing so can place your life at risk. Make sure you get your appliances checked out and your car in proper working condition, and always check for carbon monoxide leaks so you’re safeguarded from carbon monoxide poisoning.
