LIKE all Victorians, I was horrified to learn about the tragic death of a young Ballarat couple from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning last month.
Energy Safe Victoria is currently assisting Victoria Police with the investigation but it appears the couple was using a butane heater to keep warm while sleeping in a car.
We want to remind all Victorians that gas appliances attached to portable gas cylinders should never be used indoors or in confined spaces.
Gas heaters and appliances require plenty of ventilation to operate safely and should only be used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
The golden rule is if an appliance is attached to a portable gas bottle, don’t bring it inside.
Without proper ventilation CO can build up and quickly reach fatal levels.
And it’s not just the risk of CO poisoning, if you bring those things inside you can also die from oxygen depletion.
CO is a silent killer that is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
It can leak from faulty, un-serviced gas heaters or accumulate if there is insufficient ventilation such as when an outdoor heater is used indoors.
It can cause death or chronic poisoning that is indicated by flu-like symptoms including lethargy, nausea or headaches.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using gas heaters and appliances and ensure there is adequate ventilation for patio and outdoor heaters.
Gas heaters including wall units, decorative fireplaces, space heaters and central heating units should be serviced a minimum of every two years by a registered gasfitter.
Find a gasfitter in the local area and before booking a service, check that they are registered and have the proper equipment to test for carbon monoxide leakage.
More information about this and other energy safety advice can be found at www.esv.vic.gov.au.
Paul Fearon,
Director of Energy Safe Victoria.
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