Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

Information on Carbon Monoxide detection.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO is a poisonous gas. It is invisible and has no smell or colour. It is sometimes called the "Silent Killer".

Even small amounts can be dangerous.

What does the CO detector do?

Your CO detector is designed to detect a build-up of CO in your home. It does not detect heat or flames.
The detector continuously monitors the air in your home. When it senses a hazardous build-up of CO, it sounds an alarm.
Your CO detector can provide time for you and members of your family to get out of your home before the effects of the gas can have any lasting effects.

Your CO detector can save your life.

How do I know if the detector is working?

Your CO detector has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible.
To keep your detector in good working order, you must:
Test your detector weekly. Do this by pushing, holding and releasing the TEST/RESET button at the front top of the unit. The detector will beep and a red light will flash.
Vacuum the air vents at the front of the detector occasionally to keep them free of dust.

Never test the detector with car exhaust or intentionally introduce carbon monoxide through other methods. These methods are dangerous and may damage the detector.

Who maintains my CO detector?

The Council will repair your detector if it is found to be faulty. If you think your carbon monoxide detector is not working properly contact your local Council office or Contact Centre.

What should I do if my alarm goes off?

If harmful levels of carbon monoxide are detected your detector will sound a continuous alarm.

Do not panic. Stay calm. Your safety and that of your family may depend on clear thinking and remembering what you have practiced.
Open doors and windows to ventilate your home.
Turn of fuel-burning appliances such as fires and boilers and turn of your gas supply at the mains.
Open doors and windows and leave the property.
Do not go into the property until the alarm has stopped.
Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Contact the Council's Contact Centre

How else can I protect my family?

Ensure you home is well ventilated.
Ensure all chimneys and flues are clean and in good working order.
Ensure all cookers, heaters and boilers are well maintained, well ventilated and are not confined in enclosed spaces.
Explain to your family, especially children, what the CO detector alarm signal means.
Decide on a meeting place outside your home where your family should meet if your alarm sounds and ensure that your children know they should go there and wait for you.
Hold a drill at least every 6 months to make sure that your families, especially children, know how to get out of your home safely.
Know where to go to call the emergency services outside your home.