Installation Instructions

4.
2. Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer
2.1 What is Carbon Monoxide?
Many people are killed each year, and many more suffer ill health from Carbon
Monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless and extremely toxic
gas. It is produced by appliances and vehicles burning fuels, such as coal, oil, natural
gas, propane, kerosene, paraffin, wood, gasoline, diesel, charcoal etc. CO is
absorbed by red blood cells in the lungs in preference to oxygen - this results in rapid
damage to the heart and brain from oxygen starvation.
High levels of CO in a house can be caused by:
•
Incorrectly or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances.
•
Blocked or cracked chimneys/flues.
•
Blocked vents or draught-proofing which makes areas with fuel burning
appliances or fireplaces airtight.
•
Engines of cars, lawnmowers etc. that are left running in confined spaces.
•
Portable kerosene or propane heaters in poorly ventilated rooms.
2.2 What happens when your CO Alarm detects Carbon Monoxide?
When the Alarm detects potentially dangerous levels of CO, it flashes the red alarm
LED immediately and then sounds a loud alarm if the CO persists. Table B below
shows how the CO Alarm reacts to different levels of CO gas and exposure time. At
higher levels of CO the alarm sounds sooner. The rate of flashing of the red LED
indicates the level of CO. If your CO Alarm sounds follow the instructions on page.
NEVER IGNORE THE ALARM !