by Deborah Percy

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: October 12, 2010

Students living in rented accommodation for the first time should be aware of the dangers presented by carbon monoxide (C.O.). There are simple steps which they can take to keep themselves safe from C.O. poisoning which are within a student budget.

Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas produce by burning fossil fuels such as gas, oil, wood and it can be created by gas fires, oil heaters, cookers, vehicle engines and generators. C.O. poses no risk to tenants in buildings which only have electricity unless other equipment such as portable gas or oil appliances are taken inside.

Carbon Monoxide is invisible, tasteless and has no smell so it is completely undetectable by people. The most effective way students can guard again C.O. poisoning is to purchase one or more C.O. detectors which are battery powered and easy to operate. In the UK such a detector will cost about £25. C.O. detectors should be positioned in the same room as any gas appliances mid way up the wall. The detector should be have a loud audible alarm so that it will wake up sleepy students.

Not only are students notorious for sleeping but drowsiness is a symptom of C.O. poisoning. Other symptoms include headaches and nausea. If a tenant starts to experience headaches when spending time in a new home C.O. as a cause should be investigated. There are some simple signs to look for which will suggest there might be a problem:

1. Does the flue vent appear blocked?

2. Is the burner flame big and yellow?

3. Is there excessive condensation at windows?

4. Brown or black or yellow discoloration around appliances or at the ceiling (discount nicotine, obviously).

5. If the pilot light keeps going out or the appliance does not work correctly in some other way.

Generally gas appliances such as furnaces, boilers and fires have a chimney or ventilation system for the gases to escape, called a flue in the U.K. It could be made of metal or plastic. This is a vital part of the safety system, a blocked or faulty flue could be the source of problems. Blocked chimney flues behind gas fires are extremely common. If the flue is easily visible outside the students can watch that it is not blocked by foliage. For the most part the flue will be not accessible for inspection by the tenant, it is important that it is checked regularly, therefore, by a professional.

A room with a gas fire is unsuitable as a bedroom. It has been against the law in the UK for a number of years for gas fires to be in bedrooms. A student should

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