Carbon Monoxide Data Gathering Needs Changing, CORGI

Corgi, the UK’s gas safety watchdog is calling for an introduction of a coherent system of gathering and reporting data on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as several reports show conflicting results on injuries and fatalities due to CO poisoning (caused from faulty boilers, faulty gas cookers etc.).

The most recent report by Corgi is covering the most dangerous areas in the UK for cases of OC poisoning for the period April 1 2007 to March 31 2008. The report was compiled from media coverage during that period together with investigation data from Corgi’s incident investigation team. The report shows 52 incidents of CO poisoning which lead to 21 deaths and 125 injuries.

However, the analysis gets more interesting when population levels are considered. In such case, London, Yorkshire, Wales and the Midlands take the top spots for CO poisoning incidents.

Corgi say that the statistics were collated in a way that proved the lack of a central and official reporting system on all CO incidents in the UK. Corgi is now calling on the government and the plumbing and heating industry to work together to develop a more robust reporting system.

According to the latest figures, there is a big improvement on these issues compared to last year’s report, which showed 102 CO poisoning incidents, claiming 50 lives and causing 218 “often long term” injuries.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks announced a dramatic reduction in reported deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning during his speech a the last gas industry awards event. However, the Mr Wicks has quoted different numbers in his speech which proved the confusion and lack of consistency in the industry.

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