July 30th, 2007
With the holiday season well and truely underway many people will be heading off for a well earned break either here in the UK or abroad.
It is important to be prepared on holiday and not to expose yourself or your family to the dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
In the UK the gas safety watchdog, CORGI, is responsible for highlighting the dangers of Carbon Monoxide both in the home as well as other accommodation such as holiday lets, caravans, B&B’s, apartments and hotels both here and abroad.
CORGI offer the following advice about the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Holidays Abroad
For UK residents escaping the rain by holidaying abroad this year, before you book a holiday, make sure your travel company are members of The Association of British Travel Agents, who should be doing local inspections of accomodation to ensure it is up to standard.
Holidaying in the UK
Landlords who own different types of holiday accommodation, and hotel establishments here in the UK must have their appliances checked every year and should have a safety certificate displayed to prove this.
Simple Steps to CO Safety
To further ensure the safety of you and your family during your stay in holiday accommodation both in the UK and abroad, CORGI recommends the following basic advice:
Be Alert
Just because there isn’t a gas appliance in your accommodation, still look out for signs as Carbon Monoxide can seep through from other rooms. Remember, it isn’t just gas appliances that cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning – oil, wood and coal appliances do too
Know the symptoms
If you feel unwell – flu symptoms, headache, tiredness, whilst you are in your accommodation, but feel better when you are outdoors, speak to the hotel or tour operator. Tell them what you think it could be, and seek medical advice
Don’t misuse gas appliances
Don’t dry clothes on a boiler or water heater for example
Don’t block the ventilation – it is there for a reason
Purchase an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm
When on holiday place the Carbon Monoxide alarm near an appliance or in your bedroom
Don’t forget to use the alarm when you get home as well.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning you should take advice from a specialist Solicitor about making a compensation claim against whoever is responsible for maintaining the property.
At Pinto Potts Solicitors we have expert Solicitors who have dealt with numerous Carbon Monoxide Poisoning compensation claims for people all over the UK, please get in touch if you would like some free, no obligation legal advce.
