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12. General Carbon Monoxide (CO) Information
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas with no taste, colour or smell.
Carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison. Long term exposure to low levels may cause symptoms.
This alarm is time-weighted – the higher the level of CO, the sooner it will alarm.
NOTE:
The apparatus may respond to brief exhaust gas emissions, for example during the initial start-up of an
appliance. Also, hydrogen acts as an interferent and can arise from some battery charging activities and the
curing of concrete or cement under certain circumstances. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), e.g. alcohols,
which may eventually activate the alarm, can be generated from use of damp-proofing materials or other
coatings containing alkylalkoxysilanes.
Potential Sources of CO
This CO alarm is not a substitute for proper installation,
use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances
including appropriate ventilation and exhaust systems.
Carbon monoxide can be produced from poorly
burning appliances or from blocked flues and
chimneys.
If your alarm has sounded and you have ventilated the
room, the CO may have dispersed before help arrives.
It is crucial that the source of CO is determined and
appropriate maintenance carried out.
