Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

[Ann]

Can you settle an argument for me please - is it possible to get these fumes from an ordinary radiant/convector wall mounted gas fire in the lounge or it is only from gas fires with back boilers?

[chrisgel]

It is possible to get the fumes from any gas appliance if it is not installed or maintained correctly.

[Ann]

Thanks chrisgel, I am right then .........

[237SJ]

Do you mean those wall-mounted gas fires with the mock coals and the flame? According to the gas engineer that serviced the boiler at my Mum`s house, yes it is possible.

[Barmaid]

I dont know the answer, Ann, but if you are in any way concerned get a CM detector. They are cheap and save lives.

[Ann]

Ours just has 3 white panels which glow red with convector grills above. It was installed in 1972 when the house was built and checked by a Corghi engineer a few years ago when he did the required ventilation in the wall (took a brick out) but I wonder why I feel drowsy and get a lot of headaches when sitting in front of it. Hubby never does though ........ I am going to buy a monitor as soon as possible now I have read this.

[Ann]

The engineer did say we should be ok as we don't have a back boiler (we don't have any form of central heating)

[tamborine]

if it uses gas or calor & no flu vent, I think you can. Check for gas escaping with washing up liquid on joints.

[Barmaid]

Just buy a sensor, Ann. I'm sure washing up liquid is very effective, but I'd want a sensor.

[237SJ]

Is that a Baxi? My parents installed one of those when they had a coal fired Rayburn removed. I wouldn`t worry too much about it. Just get it regularly serviced and get a carbon monoxide detector. We got mild carbon monoxide poisoning from the Rayburn when I was a kid. The flue must have been blocked and there was a "blow out" during the night. I came off quite lightly - I just had a stonking headache in the morning but the rest of the family were vomiting. It could have been quite nasty.

[karenmac60]

Years ago I bought a new gas fire which was to be fitted in a traditional fireplace, with no back boiler or anything. It was in my bedroom and my baby would be sleeping in that room too and the guy at Scottish Gas recommended getting one which had a carbon monoxide sensor/safety shut off device since it was to be in a child's room.

[Peter Pedant]

you definitely definitely need a CO monitor