Data compiled by CO-Gas Safety, mainly from newspaper cuttings,(most deaths checked with coroners)
For Year One - from 01.09.95 to 31.08.96
A total of 74 deaths from accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning. 40 of these deaths were from faulty gas appliances.
(31 mains gas). 26 of these deaths were from solid fuel, (about 40% of the deaths from domestic appliances), yet the public is so unaware of the dangers from fuels other than gas.
There were 7 accidental deaths from petrol exhaust fumes (5 were car related, e.g. working on a car in a garage with the doors shut).
In one death we could not ascertain the fuel. More needs to be done to raise awareness of this danger.
Note Split exhausts cause can cause leakage of CO in vehicles.
For Year Two - From 01.09.96 to 31.08.97
A total of 58 deaths from accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
30 deaths were gas related (22 mains gas).
19 deaths were solid fuel related. (37% of the deaths from domestic appliances).
2 deaths were related to an appliance burning oil.
There were 7 deaths from the use of petrol (5 car related and 2 from generators).
For Year Three - From 01.09.97 to 31.08.98.
A total of 49 deaths from accidental Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
19 deaths were gas related (15 mains gas).
26 deaths were solid fuel related. (57% of the deaths from domestic appliances).
There were 4 deaths which were from the use of petrol from generators.
In addition the charity has identified:-
Year One
It was reported that 426 people suffered near misses and it was stated that 215 of these were taken to hospital. Of the 426, 370 were gas related
Year Two
It was reported that 370 people suffered near misses and it was stated that 264 of these were taken to hospital. Of the 370, 276 were gas related.
Year Three
It was reported that 290 people suffered near misses and it was stated that 179 of these were taken to hospital. Of the 290, 187 were gas related.
How many more needed treatment?
Rented Property
Landlords must by law have gas appliances checked every year by a registered CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers, Tel. 01256 372200) gas installer, (at the moment this means the business is registered NOT the individual fitter so ask about training).
Landlords must also now have gas flues and chimneys checked. The duty is now on landlords to ensure that tenants and prospective tenants are given a copy of the record of these checks on gas appliances and their flues, (Gas Regs. 1996 No. 2541, in force 31.10.96)
©Stephanie Trotter 1999
