Carbon monoxide (CO) incidents

Purpose

This procedure describes the actions to be taken by staff called to premises following activation of a carbon monoxide sensor or where there are other grounds to believe that carbon monoxide might be involved.

Responsibility

All staff

Process

Carbon monoxide is an effective and cumulative poison – the current safe level of exposure is 50 ppm; it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It combines with the haemoglobin in the blood more readily than oxygen and, as their ability to absorb oxygen is reduced, it effectively suffocates the victim. Those at greatest risk will be children, smokers and those with medical conditions that impair their breathing.

Where a carbon monoxide sensor has activated and alerted the contact centre they will immediately call the London Fire Brigade and Transco to attend the activation.

If the Fire Brigade/Transco reports back that the carbon monoxide sensor is faulty a visit should be made as a matter of urgency. Any member of the response or installation team can replace and reprogram a carbon monoxide sensor to the alarm unit (these sensors are programmed in same way as a pendant). The faulty unit must be returned to the control centre where it will be returned to Tunstall.