2011 Student Safety Campaign

National Grid wants to make sure that while students have fun at uni, they are also staying safe. So they’ve teamed up with young magician and illusionist Damien O’Brien who recently featured on Penn and Teller Fool Us, – to give you the tricks on staying safe from gas leaks and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in your rented house.

Damien knows all too well about the dangers of CO poisoning, having seen one of his close friends almost succumb to it, so was keen to get show the students some tricks when he spent a day in a student house – and features in a number of magical videos on the National Grid Student Union page on Facebook – which also includes key safety messaging about carbon monoxide poisoning.

Damien O'Brien and students

Safety advice

Carbon Monoxide (CO) has no smell or colour so CO poisoning can often go undetected and can be fatal. Just like you look after a car, you should take care of your gas boiler and get it serviced every year. Ask your landlord to get this done and to provide a gas safety certificate to show it is in good working order.

Warning signs can include the pilot light blowing out easily, or a lazy yellow/orange flame instead of a blue flame. If you notice either of these then your appliance needs to be checked.

 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness

 

What to do if you smell gas

Students also need to remember these five simple tips if they smell gas:

  • DO NOT smoke or light matches
  • DO NOT turn electrical switches on or off
  • DO open doors and windows
  • DO turn off the meter at the control valve (UNLESS the smell of gas and the meter are in the cellar, as often this will need a light to be turned on)
  • DO call the free 24 hour National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999* whether the smell is inside or outside the property.

*Calls are recorded and may be monitored.

 

Further information

 

External links