Care workers to get free carbon monoxide training to save lives this winter

Free workshops for care workers and NHS staff are being offered by the Gas Safety Charity to help save more lives this winter.

The Think CO workshops via Zoom are available for care staff visiting the homes of elderly, disabled and others needing care to ensure they understand the sources and signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it.

Millions of people in the UK are at risk of becoming victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, as new research by Project Shout shows gas engineers are finding more unsafe appliances than ever before, after regular carbon monoxide checks were paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel is not burnt properly. The most common sources are faulty boilers, cookers and gas fires. The highly poisonous gas has no colour, taste or smell.

In the UK, more than 200 people are hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and 50 people die every year.

The Gas Safety Charity stated: “You may not really have thought about carbon monoxide (CO) risks in your day to day work, both to your clients and to you.

“There is a duty of care to both of you. This online, hour long workshop is aimed at front line staff and volunteers from social care, NHS, FRS, voluntary and private sectors working in the UK who visit vulnerable people in their homes every day.

“We focus on long term, low level risks which can have serious consequences and help you spot and address the risks.”

Tickets are available for the online sessions on 10, 23 and 25 November and 7 and 9 December.

To book your place visit: 'Think CO - An introductory workshop to carbon monoxide (CO) risks at home' on Eventbrite or email Gas Safety Charity at e-learning@gassafecharity.org.uk.