The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has lent its support to carbon monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, organised by campaign group CO Awareness.

Often referred to as 'the silent killer', CO fumes are particularly dangerous because they cannot be smelt, seen or tasted and in extreme cases can kill in hours.

Speaking at the launch of CO Awareness Week in the House of Lords, Lord McKenzie, DWP Minister with responsibility for Health and Safety, said: "Those who have lost relatives and friends during the last year as a result of CO poisoning know how important it is that we get the right messages across to gas consumers. This is especially so at a time of rising fuel prices when consumers may be tempted to cut corners on servicing and maintenance of their gas appliances.

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"I have personally been pressing the importance of raised public awareness of the risks to safety and health from gas and I call on industry to continue with its awareness raising activities, and to take responsibility for managing the risks of carbon monoxide."

The HSE said that the public could take some simple steps to reduce the risk of CO poisoning. First, ensure all fuel burning appliances are regularly serviced by an appropriately qualified and registered engineer and that appliances have appropriate ventilation. This is because CO is produced when there isn't enough air for the complete burning of carbon fuels such as gas, oil and coal, which causes poisonous fumes.

Second, remain vigilant for the signs that a gas appliance may be leaking excess carbon monoxide. These include yellow or orange flames (except for fuel-effect fires which display this colour flame), soot or stains around the appliance and a pilot light that frequently blows out. Third, consider fitting a CO alarm.

(CD/JM)