Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster today launched Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month at an event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Nov 2013, 13:56 BST
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland  - 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells worlds press. Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has told an audience of influential international and Italian media that Northern Ireland is developing a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry. The Minister was speaking today in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro dItalia. The Grand Tour cycling race, one of the worlds biggest sporting spectacles which will see riders battle for the coveted Maglia Rosa, begins in Belfast with the Grand Partenza or Big Start in May 2014, with the route taking in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road. Pictured inside Milans Palazzo del Ghiaccio with Minister Foster is Riccardo Taranto, CEO of RCS Sport. PicturePress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland  - 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells worlds press. Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has told an audience of influential international and Italian media that Northern Ireland is developing a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry. The Minister was speaking today in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro dItalia. The Grand Tour cycling race, one of the worlds biggest sporting spectacles which will see riders battle for the coveted Maglia Rosa, begins in Belfast with the Grand Partenza or Big Start in May 2014, with the route taking in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road. Pictured inside Milans Palazzo del Ghiaccio with Minister Foster is Riccardo Taranto, CEO of RCS Sport. Picture
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland  - 7th October 2013 Press Release Image - No Reproduction Fee Northern Ireland is riding high, Foster tells worlds press. Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has told an audience of influential international and Italian media that Northern Ireland is developing a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry. The Minister was speaking today in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro dItalia. The Grand Tour cycling race, one of the worlds biggest sporting spectacles which will see riders battle for the coveted Maglia Rosa, begins in Belfast with the Grand Partenza or Big Start in May 2014, with the route taking in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road. Pictured inside Milans Palazzo del Ghiaccio with Minister Foster is Riccardo Taranto, CEO of RCS Sport. Picture

Developed by members of the Carbon Monoxide Safety Group, Northern Ireland’s first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month aims to help protect the public from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Urging everyone to get behind the new awareness drive, Arlene Foster also underlined the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and urged everyone to take effective measures to keep themselves and others safe. The Minister said: “Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as you cannot see, smell or taste it. “In addition, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to diagnose, mimicking those of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches.

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“The best way to protect yourself and others is to make sure any fuel burning appliances are serviced by a registered engineer at least once a year. Also, chimneys and flues should also be inspected annually and swept, if required, by a registered technician.

“As an additional precaution, you should also install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.”

Arlene Foster also praised the ongoing work by members of Northern Ireland’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Group to promote carbon monoxide awareness. This includes a new safety action checklist produced by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in the event of a carbon monoxide alarm going off.

Under the acronym ‘TASK’ the checklist is presented as an easily accessible fridge magnet for easy access for homes and businesses.

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At today’s launch guests were also given a preview of a gripping drama called ‘TOXIC’, which highlights the dangers and fallout when deadly Carbon Monoxide gas affects a home.

Arlene Foster continued: “To date, ‘TOXIC’ has reached some 10,000 pupils throughout Northern Ireland and this month it will be performed in 28 post-primary schools and other local venues.

“While tackling a serious issue, the play’s hard-hitting message is presented with humour and is a very innovative way to deliver an important safety message to our young people.”

During the month members of the Carbon Monoxide Safety Group and organisations in the private and public sector will also promote carbon monoxide awareness throughout Northern Ireland. For more information contact the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on 0800 0320 121 or visit: www.hseni.gov.uk/watchout

Related topics:Arlene FosterNorthern Ireland