Jargon Buster
Welcome to our Jargon Buster, a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you understand the terms and phrases you might come across when using our site. Whether you're a healthcare provider, workplace safety officer, a concerned parent, or simply a first-time, buyer seeking to make an informed purchase, this glossary is here to take the confusion out of technical talk.
What is carbon dioxide (CO2)?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is chemical compound which exists in a gaseous state at standard temperature and pressure. It is made up of two oxygen atoms and a single carbon atom and has a chemical formula of CO2.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers contain liquid carbon dioxide under pressure and are suitable for class B and electrical fires.
What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
Carbon Monoxide (chemical symbol: CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood), as used in our everyday appliances such as heaters, engines and boilers.
Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?
Having no colour, smell or taste means that it is very hard to detect. Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen.
Each year, over 50 people die in the UK as a direct result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide Gas (CO). Many more people die through strokes and respiratory illness made worse by inhaling low levels of CO over prolonged periods. Still, more are left with permanent damage and invalidity. Pregnant women are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of mild CO poisoning are similar to those of viral cold infections: headache, nausea, dizziness, sore throat and dry cough.
More severe poisoning can result in a fast and irregular heart rate, over-breathing (hyperventilation), confusion, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. Ultimately it leads to coma and death.
| Concentration of CO in the air | Implications of Exposure |
|---|---|
| 50 parts per million (ppm) | Safety level as specified by the Health and Safety Executive for a maximum of 30 minutes. |
| 200 PPM | Slight headache within 2-3 hours. |
| 400 PPM | Frontal headache within 1-2 hours, becoming widespread in 3 hours. |
| 800 PPM | Dizziness, nausea, convulsions within 45 minutes, insensible in 2 hours. |
Source: carbonmonoxidekills.com
How to protect yourself and your family ffrom the dnagers of CO
- Make sure rooms and heaters are well ventilated.
- Have your chimneys and flues checked regularly.
- Make sure boilers and heaters are maintained and serviced regularly.
- Buy a Carbon Monoxide Detector.
A Carbon Monoxide Detector will measure the concentration of Carbon Monoxide in a room and sound an alarm if the CO concentration is higher than permitted. A wide range are available from portable battery-powered alarms to mains-powered units that interlink with Grade D smoke and heat alarms, so the whole house will be alerted to a potential CO leak. Some CO alarms even have digital displays that show the current and peak level of CO present at that location.
What is a Central Battery System?
A central battery system allows a the batteries for a number of emergency luminaires are housed in one location. Usually for all the emergency luminaires on one lighting sub-circuit, but sometimes for all emergency luminaires in a complete building.
What is the CIEH - Chartered Institute of Environmental Health?
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is responsible for environmental standards, implementing legislation within the industry and accrediting courses to educate users on correct practice.
What is Closing Force?
The closing force of a door relates to the maximum weight and width of a fire door
What is Combined Emergency Luminaire?
A luminaire containing two or more lamps at least one of which is energised from the emergency supply, the remaining lamps are supplied from the normal supply.
What is CPR Device?
The CPR device (CPRD) is a sensor unit which is attached to the AED and provides real-time feedback and guidance during CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The sensor allows the AED to coach the user and ensure that the correct depth is achieved when compressing the victims chest and the correct rhythm is maintained.