Gas detectors

Many will know but some will not.

This is for the benefit of those that don't.

The heams in heamoglobin operate as both Oxygen and CO2 transports. Heamoglobin picks up Oxygen via the lung walls and is transported around the body. When an acidic environment is encountered (area of high dissolved CO2) the Oxygen is released and CO2 is picked up. On returning to the lungs the CO2 is released and the cycle continues.

Carbon monoxide binds strongly to Heamoglobin and renders heamoglobin inactive for a considerable time. So just removing the affected person to clear air does not effect an instant cure.

It is also interesting to note that it is the presence of CO2 in the lung that triggers the breathe response which is why giving an unconscious person Oxygen can actually cause them to stop breathing.

regards Martin

I might be wrong but I recall being told by a gas installer that it's not legal to install an open fire or open flue boiler in a bedroom - due to the risk of CO. He'd just come across an open flue back boiler in a room the vendor was describing as a bedroom and was obliged to disconnect it for safety.

Again, I'm not an expert but I've not heard of CO detectors being built in to heaters. Presumably the emphasis is on ensuring correct installation (see above) and adequate ventilation. The building regs specify ventilation requirements although often the retrofitting of double glazing almost completely seals up what were previously fairly "well ventilated"(!) houses. As well as the increased risk of CO, it seems to result in mould and damp quite often.

Murray

Rod, I appreciate that wood burning stoves are readily available everywhere but it is still contrary to building regulations to fit one if you are not a registered installer, it may look a simple task but is a do it yourselfer aware of all the regulations that apply, you need the training to be fully aware of all the regulations. As a trained aircraft technician many years ago , I knew the aircraft systems and the principles of flight but I wouldnt attempt to fly an aircraft without the relevant pilot training.

Dave W