Apleona Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week: Protecting Lives at Home and at Work
Silent, invisible, and deadly. Carbon monoxide (CO) remains one of the most dangerous yet preventable risks in homes and workplaces. As we approach ‘Apleona Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week’, we highlighting this often-overlooked hazard to help ensure our people, clients, and communities stay safe all year round. Carbon monoxide poisoning is sometimes called “the silent killer.” It can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted, yet it causes illness and death every year. In Ireland, several lives are lost annually due to accidental exposure, while thousands more suffer symptoms without realising the cause. The good news is that carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable through awareness, maintenance, and the right safety measures.
What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why It’s Dangerous
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood do not burn completely. It forms anywhere combustion occurs from boilers and fires to portable heaters, stoves, and even engines. When inhaled, CO enters the bloodstream and prevents oxygen from being carried around the body. This can cause serious illness or death in a matter of hours. Even low levels of exposure can lead to flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Because these symptoms are often mistaken for a cold or tiredness, many people don’t realise they’re being poisoned until it’s too late.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Although carbon monoxide itself is invisible, there are signs that can alert you to danger. Staining around fuel-burning appliances, condensation on windows, or a yellow/orange flame where there should be a clean blue one may all indicate that a device isn’t burning fuel properly. Physical symptoms — such as persistent headaches, nausea, breathlessness, or confusion can also signal exposure. If several people (or even pets) in the same space experience these symptoms at once, it’s a red flag that CO could be present. The best way to detect Carbon Monoxide is with a working Carbon Monoxide alarm. These should be in place anywhere fuel burning appliances are used. They should be checked regularly and replaced at the end of their lifespan.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home or workplace:
Switch off fuel-burning appliances immediately and open windows for ventilation.
Move everyone to fresh air and seek medical advice straight away.
Do not return until the area has been checked by a qualified professional.
Carbon Monoxide at Work
In workplaces, carbon monoxide risks depend on the nature of the environment. From maintenance workshops and boiler rooms to plant rooms and enclosed spaces. Every site should have a clear emergency response plan and all employees should be familiar with the alarms, evacuation routes, and procedures. If a CO alarm sounds, never ignore it. Evacuate immediately, report the incident, and wait until the area has been declared safe by authorised personnel. Anyone experiencing dizziness, nausea, or confusion should seek medical attention without delay. Our HSEQ teams continually promote awareness. Locally our site teams complete specific risk assessments and ensure that employees and contractors know how to act quickly and safely in the event of a suspected CO incident.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from CO is to prevent its build-up in the first place. This starts with the safe installation, servicing, and use of all fuel-burning appliances.
A few essential steps include:
Having boilers, heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances serviced every year by a qualified professional.
Keeping chimneys and flues clear, and never blocking air vents.
Using each appliance only for its intended purpose. For example, never using a barbecue indoors or a gas cooker to heat a room.
Ensuring any building or renovation work doesn’t compromise existing ventilation or flue arrangements.
If you store wood, coal, or biomass pellets, ensure the storage area is well ventilated. Poorly ventilated fuel stores can also become sources of CO build-up.
The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a simple, effective way to add an extra layer of protection. Choose alarms that:
Comply with European Standard EN 50291,
Carry the CE mark and independent certification (such as the Kitemark), and
Include an audible alarm and an end-of-life indicator. A properly fitted alarm can save lives. It’s recommended to have one in every room with a fuel-burning appliance and within five metres of every bedroom. Test your alarm monthly and replace it when it reaches the end of its lifespan (typically 5–7 years). In rented accommodation, landlords have a legal responsibility under the Housing Regulations to install carbon monoxide alarms where required.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness in Practice
At Apleona Ireland, safety is everyone’s responsibility — from management to contractors and site personnel. We promote this safety culture through continuous education, compulsory inductions, and refresher training. Our teams and partners use digital tools to monitor compliance, track training, and ensure swift action if an issue arises. Our approach is built on collaboration: keeping communication open between staff, clients, and the HSEQ team to ensure that hazards are identified early and controls are maintained effectively.
As Karen Hannon, Director of HSEQ at Apleona Ireland, explains:
“Awareness is the first step to prevention. Carbon monoxide can affect anyone, anywhere, but with the right systems, vigilance, and education, it’s entirely preventable. Our goal is to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day.”
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
We encourage everyone at home and at work to take a few minutes to check their appliances, test their alarms, and refresh their understanding of what to do in an emergency.
If you’d like more information on carbon monoxide safety, call:
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Line (ROI): 1800 89 89 89
Gas Safety NI: 0800 002 001
Oil Safety NI: 014 7362 6298
