Carbon monoxide (CO), also known as The Silent Killer, is created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood) used in everyday appliances such as heaters, engines and boilers. CO is undetectable by humans as it is a colourless, odourless and tasteless toxic gas, hence why it is important to have carbon monoxide detectors where incomplete combustion is possible. Humans can experience carbon monoxide poisoning with prolonged exposure to CO, and may experience symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to coma and death.
Reviewed: 14/09/2023 (doc:536 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
