CO risks set out
GAS network Cadent has warned that Halton is a ‘hot spot’ for hazardous appliances. The company said 324 cookers, boilers and fires were assessed as dangerous or ‘at risk’ in the borough’s postcode areas in 2017-18.
It is now calling on schools in Widnes and Runcorn to spread the message about how carbon monoxide (CO) can kill.
Faulty or badly maintained gas appliances can leak deadly CO – a colourless, odourless gas that kills around 25 residents in England and Wales every year according to NHS figures and thousands of accident emergency admissions.
A Cadent spokesman said that during 2017-18, 173 gas cookers, boilers and fires were condemned as being ‘at risk’ or immediately dangerous in Widnes. ● In Runcorn, the figure was 151. The figures were collated from properties attended by Cadent engineers.
To tackle the issue, the company has created Safety Seymour – a cuddly bear – to educate youngsters about CO risk.
It is urging schools to sign up to a free day of carbon monoxide safety educational activities in the classroom, aimed at Year 2 pupils and aligned to the National Curriculum.
Amanda O’Shea, of Cadent, said: “Research shows that families with children are among those most at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Safety Seymour teaches youngsters how to stay safe and they take that knowledge home to their mums, dads, wider families and carers.
‘‘It’s all about safeguarding future generations.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is easily preventable yet thousands of people every year suffer from CO symptoms or even die.” ● A warning sign