SUMMERTIME DEMAND FOR CO ALARMS

With the start of the holiday season, a number of campaigns have highlighted the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in all types of holiday accommodation both here and abroad. As a result, an increase in demand for portable and battery powered CO alarms from holidaymakers is expected, as well as for hard-wired alarms being installed by accommodation operators.

The parents of two children who died from CO poisoning at a Corfu hotel in October 2006 are now urging travellers to take portable CO alarms with them on holiday. They have also given their backing to a schools poster campaign by the charity ‘CO-Gas Safety’, recently launched by government minister Ed Balls. In a separate initiative, local authorities are warning of the dangers of CO poisoning in caravans. As a result, electrical wholesalers are encouraged to stock a selection of CO alarms to meet different needs. For example, mains plug-in alarms offer complete portability for rented villas, hotel rooms or student ‘digs’ in the UK and Eire. Alternatively, self-contained battery units may be more suitable for the family caravan or holiday home. Of course, the long-term solution would be mandatory hard-wired CO alarms installed by holiday accommodation operators.

Care is also needed in selecting the right devices to warn of carbon monoxide. Both the Health and Safety Executive and CORGI strongly recommend audible CO alarms which comply with European Standard BS EN 50291:2001 and carry an appropriate European independently accredited approval mark, such as the BSi Kitemark. Certainly, chemical ‘spot detector’ patches are not recommended, with their short life and absence of an audible warning which is particularly important for sleeping occupants. Carbon monoxide poisoning continues to claim at least 50 lives each year in this country alone and reliable CO alarms play an important role in protection. CO can be produced by any fuel burning appliances resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels including bottled or mains gas, coal, oil and wood. While nothing can replace an effective heating maintenance programme, the presence of a CO alarm to alert occupiers of the danger is a cost-effective means to prevent death and injury.

As part of the world’s leading manufacturer of smoke, heat and CO alarms - producing 30 million units annually – Kidde Fyrnetics is committed to providing the widest choice of CO alarms to meet all needs. As well as its unique hard-wired range, battery powered units are also available, as well as plug-in mains CO alarms for transferable protection. All three ranges offer alternative products with or without digital displays. Unlike the acid based electrolyte used by other manufacturers, Kidde CO alarms incorporate safer, greener, ionised water. Kidde also produces its own CO cells, the key component – unlike most other manufacturers. They all use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time proven by independent and accredited laboratories, and are BSi ‘kitemarked’ and CORGI approved.

The latest information on avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning using CO alarms is available in an updated brochure available free of charge via www.smoke-alarms.co.uk using the ‘Contact Us’ link.

 7/2008