Carbon Monoxide Alarms : A Safety Must-Have
Install & Test Regularly
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer—an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas produced when fuel doesn’t burn completely. Even small leaks can cause serious health issues like headaches, dizziness, or worse. A carbon monoxide alarm is a must-have for any home with a stove or fire, as it provides an early warning of this dangerous gas, helping protect you and your family from harm. It’s a small investment for peace of mind and safety in your home
Here’s how to position your carbon monoxide alarm for maximum safety:
Distance from the Stove—Place the carbon monoxide alarm between 1 and 3 metres horizontally from the stove or open fire. This ensures the alarm is close enough to detect carbon monoxide early without being triggered unnecessarily by transient emissions during stove lighting or refueling.
Ceiling Placement—If mounting the carbon monoxide alarm on the ceiling, install it at least 30cm (12 inches) away from any wall. Carbon monoxide mixes with air and rises with warm air currents, making the ceiling an effective location. However, placing it too close to a wall could trap air pockets that delay detection.
Wall Placement—If ceiling mounting isn’t an option, you can mount the carbon monoxide alarm on a wall. For optimal effectiveness:
Position it as high as possible, ideally above the height of doors and windows.
Ensure it’s at least 15cm (6 inches) below the ceiling to allow proper airflow to the sensor.
Avoid placing it too low, as carbon monoxide rises and may not reach a ground-level alarm in time.
Avoid Corners and Ground Level— Do not place the carbon monoxide alarm in corners, as these areas often have poor airflow, which could prevent the sensor from detecting carbon monoxide promptly. Similarly, alarms should never be placed at ground level, as carbon monoxide tends to rise with warm air and may not be detected until it’s too late.
Additional Tips for Placement and Maintenance
Keep it unobstructed: Ensure the carbon monoxide alarm isn’t blocked by furniture, curtains, or other objects that could restrict airflow.
Test regularly: Test your carbon monoxide alarm monthly to ensure it’s functioning properly, and replace the batteries as needed.
Check the expiration date: CO alarms have a limited lifespan, usually 5–7 years, depending on the model. Replace it when it reaches the end of its life.
Don’t install in extreme environments: Avoid installing the carbon monoxide alarm near cooking appliances, directly above the stove, or in areas prone to dust, steam, or extreme temperatures, as these can interfere with its performance.
Why This Matters
Properly installing a carbon monoxide alarm isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a vital step in protecting your family from a potentially deadly hazard. Carbon monoxide can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance, including stoves and open fires, so taking this precaution ensures you’re alerted early to any dangerous levels.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The symptoms of CO poisoning can vary depending on exposure levels:
Mild Exposure: Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Moderate Exposure: Confusion, blurred vision, vomiting, and chest pain.
Severe Exposure: Loss of consciousness, seizures, weakness, or even death.
Other Clues at Home
Everyone in the household (including pets) experiences similar symptoms.
Symptoms improve when you leave the house and return indoors.
Sooty stains, yellow flames around gas appliances, or a pilot light that frequently goes out.
If CO Poisoning is Suspected
Get everyone out of the house immediately.
Call 999 or your local emergency number.
Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild.
