Menu
12/08/2010
CO Threat Alarms Stormont Ministers
There's a growing momentum to calls for the compulsory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new homes being built in Northern Ireland.
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster (pictured) and DUP party colleague Finance Minister Sammy Wilson are to support calls for compulsory carbon monoxide alarms, following the double tragedy in Castlerock, Co Londonderry last week.
As the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, (HSENI) is continuing its major investigation, Arlene Foster said on Wednesday: "I share peoples' safety concerns about carbon monoxide and I will meet with my ministerial colleague, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, to determine the legislation required to make carbon monoxide detectors compulsory in new builds.
"This is similar to the provisions that are in place for smoke detectors in new dwellings."
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous substance, which has no taste, smell or colour.
It comes from the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and normally happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained.
CO can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
Minister Wilson said: "Arlene Foster and I are meeting to discuss, this and other matters this week.
"We will consider if the regulations for which my Department and DETI have a responsibility, need to be amended to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident happening again," he said.
A carbon monoxide alarm looks similar to a smoke alarm and is very easy to fit by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arlene Foster concluded: "The HSENI has been planning a major province wide campaign in partnership with 15 key stakeholders which launches in the autumn."
HSENI emergency helpline number is 0800 0320 121.
See:Castlerock Gas Tragedy Probe Renewed
See:Builder Fined Over Carbon Monoxide
(BMcC/GK)
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster (pictured) and DUP party colleague Finance Minister Sammy Wilson are to support calls for compulsory carbon monoxide alarms, following the double tragedy in Castlerock, Co Londonderry last week.
As the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, (HSENI) is continuing its major investigation, Arlene Foster said on Wednesday: "I share peoples' safety concerns about carbon monoxide and I will meet with my ministerial colleague, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, to determine the legislation required to make carbon monoxide detectors compulsory in new builds.
"This is similar to the provisions that are in place for smoke detectors in new dwellings."
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous substance, which has no taste, smell or colour.
It comes from the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and normally happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained.
CO can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
Minister Wilson said: "Arlene Foster and I are meeting to discuss, this and other matters this week.
"We will consider if the regulations for which my Department and DETI have a responsibility, need to be amended to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident happening again," he said.
A carbon monoxide alarm looks similar to a smoke alarm and is very easy to fit by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arlene Foster concluded: "The HSENI has been planning a major province wide campaign in partnership with 15 key stakeholders which launches in the autumn."
HSENI emergency helpline number is 0800 0320 121.
See:Castlerock Gas Tragedy Probe Renewed
See:Builder Fined Over Carbon Monoxide
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 October 2012
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now A Legal Requirement
Carbon monoxide alarms are now a legal requirement for all new homes in Northern Ireland. The law follows the deaths of two teenagers from carbon monoxide poising at a holiday home in County L’Derry in August 2010. 18-year-old Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson died in an apartment near Coleraine.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now A Legal Requirement
Carbon monoxide alarms are now a legal requirement for all new homes in Northern Ireland. The law follows the deaths of two teenagers from carbon monoxide poising at a holiday home in County L’Derry in August 2010. 18-year-old Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson died in an apartment near Coleraine.
30 September 2013
Teenagers' Mothers Back CO Campaign
The mothers of two teenage boys who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 have endorsed a new campaign urging people to install alarms in their homes. 18-year-olds Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran died in August 2010 at apartments in Castlerock, County L'Derry.
Teenagers' Mothers Back CO Campaign
The mothers of two teenage boys who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 have endorsed a new campaign urging people to install alarms in their homes. 18-year-olds Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran died in August 2010 at apartments in Castlerock, County L'Derry.
18 October 2010
User Guide Recalls Gas Tragedy
A double tragedy in Co Londonderry last summer has been recalled with the launch of a new guide to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. NI's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has commended the guide, Carbon Monoxide: Are You at Risk? to both domestic users and the utilities sector of the construction industry.
User Guide Recalls Gas Tragedy
A double tragedy in Co Londonderry last summer has been recalled with the launch of a new guide to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. NI's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has commended the guide, Carbon Monoxide: Are You at Risk? to both domestic users and the utilities sector of the construction industry.
10 December 2010
Biomass Heating Boost For Glencraig
Construction has commenced on a development to enhance a successful Co Down community serving those with learning disabilities.
Biomass Heating Boost For Glencraig
Construction has commenced on a development to enhance a successful Co Down community serving those with learning disabilities.
24 June 2024
NIFRS Releases Public Summer Safety Advice
As more people spend time outdoors during the summer, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has called on the public to follow its simple safety advice.
NIFRS Releases Public Summer Safety Advice
As more people spend time outdoors during the summer, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has called on the public to follow its simple safety advice.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
