The Detectagas Test Kit is an award-winning innovation in carbon monoxide (CO) detection and has been at the forefront of CO safety for over 15 years. Detectagas was created in response to growing concerns about the limited lifetime of CO detection alarms (around five years). Unlike smoke detectors, which usually respond to things like burning toast, carbon monoxide detectors only alarm when a real crisis is developing, as it is impossible to generate sufficient CO to test a CO alarm in the home.
This means a build up of CO within the home or workplace will already be having a seriously damaging effect upon the health of those in the immediate area. The limited life time of CO detection alarms could mean many individuals and families are actually living under a false sense of security, believing their alarm is fully operational.
Instructions provided by CO alarm manufacturers ask the end user to test the alarm by pressing the 'test button' only. However, this simply tests the battery and the bell (or alarm). The 'test button' does not test one of the most critical components of the alarm – the carbon monoxide sensor.
Even third party servicing of boilers and installed alarms do not test the CO alarm sensor. Because of the limited lifetime of CO alarms, there is a growing possibility that the alarm could develop a sensor fault. Everyone who has a CO alarm installed therefore needs to be abe to test the sensor to ensure the safety of their family and those in the near vicinity.
Detectagas Ltd has since introduced a calibrated CO alarm testing kit. The kit comprises of a CO aerosol that can test the sensor in all alarm models. The concentration of CO test gas is at a specific level that makes it perfectly safe to use. The Detectagas kit includes a shroud, valve, seal and test label. It’s available in 520ml (7 tests) and 120ml (2 tests) packs.
There are over 8 million detectors installed in the UK and over 80 million in the United States. It is estimated that around 50% are over 5 years old, which could mean many homes are not protected from this 'silent killer'.
A recent report in CO poisoning by UK gas watchdog Corgi, revealed that in a 16 month period 'there were 102 carbon monoxide poisoning incidents, claiming 50 lives and causing 218 injuries…attributable to all fossil fuel appliances. Undiagnosed cases, plus the lack of central reporting on this issue means the overall figures for injuries are likely to be much higher'.
Are you and your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning? Are you sure your CO alarm is working properly?
Detectagas received a Millennium Product Award for Innovation and top prize as North East Wales Most Innovative and Creative Business.
