Increase in Carbon Monoxide Deaths
17/03/10 Filed in: Safety
Previous news stories regarding product recalls (see articles here under Safety) pointed to some tragic incidents involving gas cookers (particularly gas grills), and the efforts of manufacturers to take a belt-and-braces approach to this important area of concern will hopefully continue. Relying on customers not to mis-use their gas appliances is not always enough, and the potential for misuse must be eradicated where possible through better engineering. It is equally important that customers understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the safety of their gas cooker.
[With acknowledgements to KbbReview]
A gas safety charity has warned that the number of carbon monoxide deaths involving gas cookers has increased ten-fold in the last year.
Figures from The Corgi Trust show that seven of the 17 deaths caused by carbon monoxide in 2008/2009 were associated with gas cookers, the highest number since 2000/2001. Four of the seven were linked with enclosed grill models that did not have automatic shut off valves that kick in when the grill is used incorrectly.
In contrast, the report also identifies gas cookers left on or open for prolonged periods in a small or poorly ventilated kitchen.
"In 2007/2008 there was only one incident reported with a cooker, whereas in 2008/2009 there were 10 - the highest number since records began in July 1996," said Corgi Trust manager Nigel Dumbrell. "This is higher than the fatality rate associated with boilers and therefore an area of huge concern. The report therefore recommends urgent attention is given to enhance cooker safety and the potential dangers of cooker misuse are more widely advertised among manufacturers, gas installers, double glazing installers, building alteration approval officers and the general public."
As well as cooker 'misuse', an analysis of the established causes of incidents reported also revealed additional concerns such as lack of servicing, specified in 25% of the cases, flue positioning and the fitting or seal between flues and appliances.
In Our Opinion
Gas grills are always a liability, and we would rather see electric grills used universally. The technology has improved to the point where they are certainly better than gas grills, and although there may be a few die-hard (no pun intended) consumers out there, most would soon adjust to the idea.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Something every household can do is install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor relevant areas. See this Which? article for further advice.
[With acknowledgements to KbbReview]
A gas safety charity has warned that the number of carbon monoxide deaths involving gas cookers has increased ten-fold in the last year.
Figures from The Corgi Trust show that seven of the 17 deaths caused by carbon monoxide in 2008/2009 were associated with gas cookers, the highest number since 2000/2001. Four of the seven were linked with enclosed grill models that did not have automatic shut off valves that kick in when the grill is used incorrectly.
In contrast, the report also identifies gas cookers left on or open for prolonged periods in a small or poorly ventilated kitchen.
"In 2007/2008 there was only one incident reported with a cooker, whereas in 2008/2009 there were 10 - the highest number since records began in July 1996," said Corgi Trust manager Nigel Dumbrell. "This is higher than the fatality rate associated with boilers and therefore an area of huge concern. The report therefore recommends urgent attention is given to enhance cooker safety and the potential dangers of cooker misuse are more widely advertised among manufacturers, gas installers, double glazing installers, building alteration approval officers and the general public."
As well as cooker 'misuse', an analysis of the established causes of incidents reported also revealed additional concerns such as lack of servicing, specified in 25% of the cases, flue positioning and the fitting or seal between flues and appliances.
In Our Opinion
Gas grills are always a liability, and we would rather see electric grills used universally. The technology has improved to the point where they are certainly better than gas grills, and although there may be a few die-hard (no pun intended) consumers out there, most would soon adjust to the idea.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Something every household can do is install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor relevant areas. See this Which? article for further advice.
