What To Do When The Alarm Sounds - Bellman & Symfon BE1555 Manual De Usuario

What to do when the alarm sounds

1 Open the doors and windows to ventilate the area.
2 Turn off all fuel appliances where possible and stop using them. The alarm can be silenced
immediately by pushing the test/hush button provided the CO level is <150ppm.
3 Evacuate the property leaving the doors and windows open.
4 Get medical help immediately for anyone suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poison-
ing (headache, nausea), and advise that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.
5 Ring your gas or other fuel supplier on their emergency number. Keep the number in a
prominent place.
6 Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped. If the alarm has been silenced by press-
ing the test/hush button, wait at least 5 minutes so the alarm can check that the CO has cleared.
7 Do not use the fuel appliances again until they have been checked by a registered installer
or equivalent expert.
Note: If there is any question as to the cause of the alarm it should be assumed that the alarm
is due to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and the dwelling should be evacuated.
Note: When ventilation is provided by leaving the window and doors open, the CO build up
may have dissipated by the time help arrives and the alarm may have stopped sounding.
Although your problem may appear temporarily solved it is crucial that the source of the CO is
determined and that appropriate repairs are made.
How to protect your family
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
1 Know and look out for tell-tale signs that carbon monoxide may be present. These include:
The CO alarm warning of abnormal levels.
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Staining or discolouration on or around appliances.

A pilot light frequently going out.
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A strange smell when an appliance is operating.

A naked gas flame which is yellow or orange, instead of the normal blue.
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Family members (including pets) exhibiting the "flu-like" symptoms of CO poisoning
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described above. If any of these signs are present, get the appliance checked out by an
expert before further use. If family members are ill, get medical help.
2 Choose all appliances and vehicles which burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural/bottled
gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc. with care and have them professionally
installed and regularly maintained.
3 These appliances must "breathe in" air to burn the fuel properly. Know where the air comes
from and ensure vents/air bricks etc. remain unobstructed (particularly after building work).
4 The appliances must also "breathe out" the waste gases (including the CO) –usually through a
flue or chimney. Ensure chimneys and flues are not blocked or leaking and get them checked
every year. Check for excessive rust or cracks on appliances and pipe work.
5 Never leave your car, motor bike or lawnmower engine running in the garage with the garage
door closed. Never leave the door from the house to the garage open if the car is running.
6 Never adjust your own gas pilot lights.
7 Never use a gas cooker for home heating.
8 Never use a barbecue grill indoors.
9 Children should be warned of the dangers of CO poisoning and instructed never to touch
or interfere with the CO alarm. Do not allow small children to press the test/hush button as
they could be subjected to excessive noise when the CO alarm sounds.
10 Leaving windows or doors slightly open (even a few inches) will significantly reduce the
risk of high levels of CO occurring. The high levels of draught-proofing in modern houses
reduces ventilation and can allow dangerous gases to build up.
11 Install CO alarms in all the areas recommended in this booklet.
12 Recognise that CO poisoning may be the cause when family members suffer from "flu-like"
symptoms when at home but feel better when they are away for extended periods.
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