John Mason MP has urged Glasgow East residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. New research shows that 75% of households in Scotland are putting themselves at risk of poisoning by not having an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm.  Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour taste and smell, making it impossible to detect without an alarm.

John is supporting the ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is also backed by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location.

John Mason says: "Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.  I urge every householder in the East End to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional.

"I would like to see a requirement for all new homes to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate."

Christine McGourty, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign spokesperson, said: "We regularly hear about members of the general public whose lives have been saved by a Carbon Monoxide alarm – it’s the only way to detect this killer. You can buy an alarm from around £15 at DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers. A number of retailers will also be offering special discounts in support of our campaign this January and we’re delighted that John Mason has added his weight to the campaign.

The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep your household safe:

• Fit an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm which should be marked with the ‘EN50291' safety standard
• Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered professional
• Don’t block ventilation and get chimneys swept at least once a year
• Learn about the danger signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at www.co-bealarmed.co.uk

Notes:

Carbon Monoxide is produced when fuel-burning appliances are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Research

All figures are from an Ipsos MORI face-to-face Omnibus survey of 1,915 adults aged 18+ in Great Britain.  The fieldwork was undertaken between 27th November and 3rd December 2009. 161 sample points were used.

About the campaign:

The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign was launched in October 2008. It is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by Carbon Monoxide. The campaign is funded and delivered by the Energy Retail Association on behalf of a broad alliance of organisations including energy companies, victim support and fuel safety charities and professional organisations and is supported by more than 40 other organisations.

As well as raising awareness of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and preventative action people should take to protect themselves, this campaign is seeking support for two legislative changes which will make a major difference:

1)     In order to receive a gas safety certificate, landlords should offer tenants an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm. This would ensure that many of the most vulnerable members of society are offered the protection of a Carbon Monoxide alarm. The existing legal requirement for a gas safety certificate means that an appropriately qualified and registered installer checks the safety of gas appliances.

2)     Every new home should be fitted with an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm. To mirror the current requirement for a wired-in smoke alarm to be fitted in all new-build homes, Building Regulations should be amended to require an audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm to be installed. This is a simple measure, which will add no significant cost to the home builders. Since the campaign launched in October 2008, the Government is now considering proposals to amend Part J (Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) of the Building Regulations. One of the issues under consideration is the potential to incorporate a provision for the installation of Carbon Monoxide alarms.