A pilot light frequently going out.
A strange smell when an appliance is operating.
A naked gas ame which is yellow or orange, instead of the normal blue.
Family members (including pets) exhibiting the “u-like” symptoms of CO poisoning
described above. If any of these signs are present, get the appliance checked out by an
expert before further use. If family members are ill, get medical help.
2 Choose all appliances and vehicles which burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, pro-
pane, kerosene, wood, gasoline, diesel, charcoal etc. with care and have them professional-
ly installed and regularly maintained.
3 These appliances must “breathe in” air to burn the fuel. Know where the air comes from and
ensure vents remain unobstructed (particularly after any construction or remodeling).
4 The appliances must also “breathe out” waste gases (including the CO) –usually through
a ue or chimney. Ensure chimneys and ues are not blocked or leaking and get them
checked every year. Check for excessive rust or cracks on appliances and pipe work.
5 Never leave your car, motor bike or lawnmower engine running in the garage with the garage
door closed. Never leave the door from the house to the garage open if the car is running.
6 Never adjust your own gas pilot lights.
7 Never use a gas stove, cooktop or a barbecue grill for home heating.
8 Children should be warned of the dangers of CO poisoning and instructed never to touch
or interfere with CO alarms. Do not allow small children to press the test/hush button as
they could be subjected to excessive noise when the alarm sounds.
9 Leaving windows or doors slightly open (even a few inches) will signicantly reduce the
risk of high levels of CO occurring. The high levels of draught-proong in modern houses
reduces ventilation and can allow dangerous gases to build up.
10 Install CO alarms in all the areas recommended in this booklet.
11 Recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family members suer from “u-like”
symptoms when at home but feel better when they are away for extended periods.
15 16
Limitations of CO alarms
1 The CO alarm will not work without good batteries or if the batteries are placed in reverse
polarity. If the batteries have been drained the alarm will not give protection. Button test
the alarm weekly and on return from vacations or other long absences.
2 Carbon monoxide must enter the unit for it to be detected. There may be carbon monoxide
in other areas of the house (e.g. downstairs, in a closed room etc) but not in the vicinity of
the CO alarm. Doors, air drafts and obstructions can prevent CO from reaching the alarm. For
these reasons we recommend CO alarms are installed both near and in bedrooms, particular-
ly if bedroom doors are closed at night. Additionally, install in rooms where members of the
household spend much of their time, and in rooms with potential sources of CO gas.
3 The CO alarm may not be heard. The sound output is loud, but it may not be heard behind a
closed door or if it is too far away. A CO alarm connected to a Visit receiver improves the prob-
ability that they will be noticed. The alarm may not wake up somebody who has taken alcohol
or drugs. The alarm sound may be masked by other sounds such as T.V., stereo, trac noise
etc. Fitting CO alarms on either side of closed doors will improve their chance of being heard.
4 CO alarms don’t last indenitely. CO alarms are sophisticated electronic devices with many
parts. Although CO alarms and their component parts have undergone stringent testing,
and are designed to be very reliable, it is possible that parts can fail. Therefore, you should
test your CO alarms weekly. CO alarms must be replaced after 10 years of operation.
5 CO alarms are not a substitute for life insurance. House-holders are responsible for their own
insurance. CO alarms warn of increasing CO levels, but we do not guarantee that this will
protect everyone from CO poisoning.
6 CO alarms are not suitable as early warning smoke alarms. Some res produce carbon mon-
oxide, but the response characteristics of these CO alarms are such that they would not give
sucient warning of re. Smoke alarms must be tted to give early warning of re.
7 CO alarms do not detect the presence of natural gas (methane), propane, butane or other
combustible gases. Install combustible gas alarms to detect such gases.
Note: Carbon monoxide alarms, with electrochemical sensors have a cross sensitivity to
hydrogen. This means that they can alarm due to sensing hydrogen produced by batteries
