NGN funds scheme to fit carbon monoxide detectors

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is funding a trial scheme to install 150 innovative carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which issue an SMS notification to a nominated mobile phone when CO is detected, in social housing.

Weekly reports are also issued by the detectors to confirm that they are fully functional and to alert owners when the batteries need replacing.

So far, NGN has fitted 80 of the devices in social housing in West Yorkshire and, during the trial, local councils will receive all notifications from the devices.

National Grid and Wales and West Utilities are also involved in the initiative, which is supported by the Energy Innovation Centre, and will see 600 of the new smart detectors fitted in homes across the UK.

NGN head of social strategy Tom Bell said that, through the trial scheme the gas network hoped to “raise awareness” of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

He added: “[It] is an issue we take extremely seriously, as is the health and safety of all our customers.

“Other gas distribution networks across the country are also taking part in the scheme and we hope that together we will be able to make significant progress in informing people of the risks associated with exposure to CO.”

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as it has no smell, colour or taste making it difficult to detect. Inhaling CO prevents oxygen from being carried around the body. This can be fatal, resulting in around 50 deaths in the UK each year as well as approximately 4,000 people needing medical treatment.

In February, the Gas Safety Trust launched an online portal for data and information relating to CO poisoning in the UK.