Gas cooker CO deaths on rise

   Gas cookers have been linked to the rise in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning fatalities in the latest annual benchmarking report from gas safety charity, The CORGI Trust. The report surveyed data for Great Britain covering the period of 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.

   Of the 17 deaths caused by CO, seven were associated with the cooker appliances, the highest number since 2000/1. Four of the seven deaths were linked with enclosed grill models that did not have automatic shut-off valves. The report also identifies gas cookers left on and open for prolonged periods in a small or poorly ventilated kitchen, perhaps to provide an additional source of heat, as an area of misuse that needs to be addressed.

   "In 2007/8 there was only one incident reported with a cooker, where as in 2008/9 there were 10, the highest number since records began in July 1996. This is higher than the fatality rate associated with boilers and therefore an area of huge concern," says Nigel Dumbrell, Manager of The CORGI Trust. "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 and the general public."

   Over the 12 months reporting period, 17 deaths and 96 casualties in 56 incidents were confirmed to be CO poisoning linked to mains natural gas. No LPG linked incidents were reported.

 

Source - Pham News

Posted Date: 25th Mar 2010