Christmas is coming and for many households the gas boiler hasn't been used for a several months.

This is now the time to ensure that the boiler and flue system are safe as every year about 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health. When gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, excess CO is produced which is poisonous.

You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill without warning in just a matter of hours. CO is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas, which is produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, including fuel gas. When CO gets into the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs.

RoSPA strongly advises that gas appliances and/or flues are serviced regularly for safety by a CORGI-registered installer. If you live in a tenanted accommodation, your landlord has a legal duty to carry out an annual gas safety check and maintain gas appliances. They must provide you with a copy of the completed gas safety check certificate.

You should always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room containing your gas appliance. If you have a chimney or a flue, ensure it is not blocked up and also ensure that vents are not covered.

RoSPA strongly recommends the use of carbon monoxide detectors as a useful backup precaution but they must not be regarded as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances by a CORGI-registered installer.

For quality CO Detectors, please go to: http://www.simplesafetysolutions.com/acatalog/CO_Dectors.html