As a parent, we do our best to make our home as safe as possible for our children to play, grow and live in. We look around our homes, spot any potential injury hazards and then take action to remove or restrict access to them so no harm comes to our child.

But what if there is a danger that you can’t see, smell, or even taste?

DO YOU HAVE A SILENT KILLER IN YOUR HOME?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a hidden danger that many people are unaware of. It is a toxic gas with fumes that are impossible to see, smell or taste, which is why it is often referred to as a silent killer.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can often be mistaken for viral infections or the flu. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness.

In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in brain damage and death.

WHERE DOES CARBON MONOXIDE COME FROM?

Any appliances that use gas, oil, kerosene, wood, coal, or charcoal can produce carbon monoxide.

The most common fuel burning appliances that can produce carbon monoxide include:

• Gas space heaters
• Gas wall furnaces
• Gas central heating systems
• Gas decorative log fires
• Gas hot water heater service
• Gas or wood stoves and ovens
• Wood heaters
• Gas refrigerators
• Charcoal/Wood grills(Kettle BBQ,Heat Beads® BBQ Briquettes)
• LP Gas BBQ
• Portable Camping Gas Stove (Butane/LPG)
• Gas patio heaters
• Gas or petrol driven generators
• Motor vehicles

Learn more in this video from Energy Safe Victoria featuring Vanessa, Founder of the Chase and Tyler Foundation, who tragically lost her two sons from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

READ VANESSA’S STORY HERE

WHEN DID YOU LAST SERVICE YOUR HEATER?

Do you know when your heater or gas hot water service was last checked by a professional?

If you don’t know, then chances are it was too long ago.

Whether you own your own home or you are renting, it is recommended that all gas and fuel-burning appliances are serviced every 1-2 years by a qualified gasfitter.

Visit the Energy Safe Victoria website for more information about how to find a gasfitter, as well as the obligations of rental providers under the new rental laws that came into effect on 29 March 2021.

TOP TIPS TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN YOUR HOME

With cool weather setting in and winter fast approaching, many families will be switching on heating appliances that have not been used in a while.

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect you and your family:

• Never block ventilation and always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room while operating your gas or fuel burning appliance
• Minimise the use of exhaust fans at the same time open flued gas heaters are used. Using exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom can create negative pressure and lead to gas heater emissions being sucked back into the house rather than allowing them to be exhausted to the outside air
• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm within your home
• Have all gas and fuel-burning appliances serviced every 1-2 years by a qualified gasfitter
• Ensure all chimneys and flues are swept and inspected annually
• Never bring an outdoor gas or fuel-burning appliance inside your home, tent or caravan
• Never leave your car’s engine running idle in an attached garage to your home

For more information on gas and fuel burning appliance safety and carbon monoxide poisoning, please visit www.chaseandtyler.org.au

To read about Vanessa’s story of losing her two children – Chase aged 8 and Tyler aged 6 from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, read our blog here: https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/gas-safety-in-the-home-a-vital-step-to-add-into-your-home-safety-checklist/

For more information on keeping your child safe from poisons in the home, please head to: https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/poisoning/