Protocol
Treat a carbon-monoxide warning as a reason to leave, not investigate
No smell is not an all-clear.
When it fits
- A carbon-monoxide alarm warns or poisoning is suspected.
When to avoid it
- Do not re-enter to rescue property or attempt appliance repairs. Prevention also requires suitable alarms, maintained appliances and keeping outdoor combustion equipment out of enclosed spaces.
Why it matters
Leave the property immediately and seek local emergency or medical advice from a safe location. Do not remain inside looking for the faulty appliance. Before returning, follow the relevant safety service's instructions and have the source addressed by a qualified professional.
Steps
- Move to a safe outside location without delaying to diagnose the source.
- Tell emergency or medical responders that carbon monoxide is suspected.
- Keep the property out of use until the responsible professionals say return is safe.
An example
An alarm sounds while a fuel-burning appliance is operating. The response is to leave and obtain help, not reset the alarm until it stops.
Check your result
People are outside and the concern is being handled through the appropriate urgent route.
Keep this limit in mind
- Do not re-enter to rescue property or attempt appliance repairs. Prevention also requires suitable alarms, maintained appliances and keeping outdoor combustion equipment out of enclosed spaces.
Connected ideas
Useful withTest the alarm you are relying on
Evidence and sources
Supports
London Fire Brigade advises leaving immediately when carbon-monoxide poisoning is suspected, seeking medical help and not re-entering until the source is addressed by a qualified professional.
The absence of a smell or visible smoke does not rule out carbon monoxide; do not delay outside help to investigate.
Carbon monoxide safety · Suspected poisoning; detection and prevention