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HSE is promoting the gas safety message
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be adding its support to a local initiative aimed at promoting gas safety messages and highlighting the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO).
HSE inspectors from the Plymouth office will attend a presentation ceremony at Liskeard Community Hospital on Friday, 18 May 2007, at which a CO monitor will be presented to the staff by local MP and active gas safety campaigner, Colin Breed.
Co-funded by the CO-Awareness Group, Association of Registered Gas Installers (ARGI) and a local CORGI registered gas installer business, the monitor will be made available, after appropriate training, to all potential medical users including hospital staff, local GPs and possibly paramedics.
"This is an independent SE Cornwall initiative," said HSE inspector, David Cory, attending the event, "and one which HSE is happy to support as it helps to raise public awareness of gas safety issues, particularly those associated with Carbon Monoxide.
"This monitor will help health care professionals get a more rapid indicator of any link to a possible CO poisoning - so they can take appropriate actions or get further blood tests done.
"Gas appliances which are not properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent CORGI-registered installer, may not operate properly and potentially deadly CO fumes could be released into an enclosed space.
"People need to know that you cannot see, smell or taste CO fumes - hence why it is often called 'the silent killer' - and the symptoms of exposure to CO are similar to 'flu. This is why it is essential to get the experts involved, whether you're talking about your gas appliances equipment or your health.
"All landlords are legally required to get all their gas appliances annually checked by a CORGI-registered installer and we strongly advise all householders do the same.
"You need to get your gas appliances checked and keep them safe and not be tempted to use unregistered engineers or friends - always use a CORGI-registered installer."
Genuine CORGI-registered installers carry a photographic identification card and their details can be checked also by calling CORGI on 0870 4012300 or by checking on the website: http://www.corgi-gas-safety.com.
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