Carbon monoxide and generator safety
Independent household guide · not affiliated with the UK Government.
Keep generators, barbecues and camping stoves outdoors. Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell; opening a window does not make indoor use safe.
First three things to do
- Move everyone into fresh air. Stop a suspect appliance only if you can do so safely.
- Call 999 for suspected exposure with breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness or chest or muscle pain. For other suspected symptoms, seek urgent medical advice; NHS 111 is available in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, NI Direct advises immediate emergency-department assessment for suspected exposure with symptoms; seek GP advice for suspected low-level exposure.
- Stay out of the affected building. Report a suspected gas emergency using the number for your nation.
Prevent exposure
Possible symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion. Do not wait to smell gas: carbon monoxide itself has no smell.
Fit audible CO alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances; follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions for placement and testing. Have appliances maintained by a qualified engineer. An alarm does not make unsafe equipment use acceptable.
Portable generators
Never run one in a home, garage or partly enclosed area. Place it outside, away from openings where fumes could enter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not connect it to house wiring yourself. Switch off and let it cool before refuelling; keep fuel outside living areas.
Keep the household plan simple
Use battery lights and blankets. Choose food that does not need cooking. Keep outdoor cooking and heating equipment outdoors, including camping stoves, barbecues and patio heaters. If you cannot use equipment safely, do not use it.
NI Direct: carbon monoxide and urgent assessment.