Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common cause of fatal poisoning. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because the symptoms are not often known. Carbon monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because it is odourless and some of the symptoms are similar to the flu or other common illnesses.

About 50% of all CO poisonings occur in the home but no matter where you live - or work - prevent exposure and know the symptoms.

Following on from an article written by TOTAL QSR Ltd in 2018, about the number accidental carbon monoxide poisoning deaths and hospitalisations (and as a company who specialise in the installation and service of gas appliances) we still feel compelled to urge people to ensure their commercial gas appliances are regularly tested by a competent person (in this case a Gas Safe registered engineer). Primarily because during periods of extreme winter weather, people are confined to small, indoor areas where gas appliances are used, and often these appliances aren't being sufficiently vented.

What is CO and how is it different to CO2?

CO - carbon monoxide and CO2 - carbon dioxide are often confused. The names sound the same, they both are colourless and odourless gases, and at high concentrations, both can be deadly. The difference is that CO2 is a common, naturally occurring gas required for all plant and animal life. CO is not common. It is most often a by-product of the oxygen-starved combustion of fuel.

Follow this link to learn more >>> https://www.co2meter.com/blogs/news/1209952-co-and-co2-what-s-the-difference <<<

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

The symptoms associated with CO poisoning include stomach pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, confusion, nausea and/or vomiting, headaches and dizziness. If you think you have been exposed to high levels of CO, it is advised you immediately go to your local accident and emergency (A&E) department. Your symptoms will often indicate whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning, but a blood test will confirm the amount of carboxyhaemoglobin in your blood. A level of 30% indicates severe exposure

Businesses making heavy use of gas appliances - such as commercial catering equipment like chargrills, fryers and ovens - should ensure that they carry out gas testing at least once a year to ensure that their catering equipment is in good working order and doesn’t pose a health risk. This is where TOTAL QSR Ltd can help.

Our catering engineers carry out gas safety inspections almost every day in restaurants, hotels, public houses and fast food chains across Great Britain. To book a visit from one of Gas Safe Registered engineers – and provide you with the reassurance that your gas catering equipment is functioning safely – call 01225 791848 or visit www.totalqsr.co.uk/catering-equipment-service-repair

How to recognise the signs of faulty gas equipment?

Warning signs that your gas appliances may need to be serviced include seeing a slow yellow flame instead of a blue one, pilot lights going out constantly, increased condensation in the room or black stains around the appliance. You’ll also need to make sure that your flues and chimneys are kept clear at all times, since blocking vents can be very dangerous and lead to a build-up of CO in your premises.

It might also be wise to consider having a CO alarm fitted on site if you do use a lot of gas appliances. Smoke alarms do not detect such leaks and CO is invisible, with no smell or taste – which is why an alarm is so essential.

Do I need a Gas Safety Inspection?

If you are unsure if your catering business needs a Gas Safety inspection, read the full guidance notes from the Governments HSE >>> http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/safetycheckswho.htm <<<

UK carbon monoxide statistics report 100’s hospitalisations each year, so don’t allow this silent killer to infiltrate YOUR business. Ensure that ALL of your gas catering appliances are checked – annually – by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

About the author:

Steve Cartledge is the Sales & Marketing Manager at TOTAL QSR Ltd. He is responsible for the output of their websites blog page. Previously a chef in Spanish, French and English restaurants, his passion for food remains and he loves to deliver engaging food related articles to his audience. Connect with Steve on any of the social media platforms below.

#gassafety #gassafetyinspection #healthandsafety #cateringequipmentservice #cateringadvice #cateringequipmentmaintenance #cateringengineer #gasengineer #foodblog