|
|
Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
|
MP Beith warns of deadly Carbon Monoxide risk
November 19, 2008 11:15 AM
Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick, has urged residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning this winter. Research shows that over 850,000 households in the North East are putting themselves at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning by not taking the necessary safety precautions.
Alan Beith is supporting a new national campaign, 'Carbon Monoxide - Be Alarmed!' which encourages people to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that they have all their gas, oil and solid-fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified engineer. The campaign is backed by victims' charities, professional organisations and energy companies, and by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location.
Alan Beith MP said:
"I would like to see a requirement for all new homes to be fitted with an alarm and for landlords to provide an alarm before they can receive their annual gas safety certificate."
"Audible alarms only cost around £15 and can be fitted in seconds but they could save your life. I would urge every household to make sure that they have an alarm and that they have their fuel-burning appliances serviced each year by a professional."
Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas which can kill or cause lasting damage to your health. The early symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, loss of balance and forgetfulness. Research conducted for the campaign showed that only six per cent of people would describe themselves as "very confident" that they would recognise the symptoms, which can easily be confused with those of other illnesses, such as flu.
Nigel Dumbrell, Chairman of campaign organisers the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance, said:
"Carbon Monoxide has no colour, odour or taste and is impossible to detect without an alarm. It's essential that the public know how to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is the first time that such a broad alliance of organisations has come together to campaign on the issue of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and we're delighted that Sir Alan Beith has added his weight to the campaign."
the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA) is campaigning on several fronts.
As well as raising awareness of the dangers or Carbon Monoxide and the precautions people should take, this campaign is seeking support for four changes which will make a major difference:
In order to receive a gas safety certificate, landlords should have to provide tenants with a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
Every new home should be fitted with a wired-in Carbon Monoxide alarm.
The Government should nominate a Minister to take the lead, across Whitehall, on issues relating to Carbon Monoxide.
There should be more training and information to ensure that front-line healthcare professionals can recognise the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and record accurate data around incidents and deaths.
COCAA
The Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance was set up as a single co-ordinating body which aims to be the leading authority on Carbon Monoxide awareness. The Alliance consists of victims' charities, professional organisations for all domestic fuel types and energy companies. It also works closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Health & Safety Executive.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think