Today (2 April), the Gas Safety Trust has published its latest figures on carbon monoxide incidents for the period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011.
The report analyses accidental carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in Great Britain associated with the use of mains natural gas and piped LPG in the home. This year, for the first time, the report also includes an assessment of domestic solid fuel and oil heating incidents as reported by HETAS and OFTEC.

A total of 50 incidents associated with domestic mains natural gas were reported during 2010-11, resulting in 101 non-fatal casualties and eight fatalities. Five of the eight fatalities were associated with central heating appliances, two with coolers and one with a space heater.

Slightly fewer incidents were reported last year than in 2009-10 (57) and 2008-09 (56).

Around 20% of the reported casualties in 2010-11 were categorised as less severe and not requiring hospital treatment, compared to an average of just 11% before 2008-09. The report suggests this could mean that more incidents are being identified before serious injury occurs, possibly due to greater use of carbon monoxide alarms.

The report was prepared by Downstream Gas and funded by the Gas Safety Trust. It identifies common concerns involved in carbon monoxide incidents related to appliance and system design, the home environment, installation, servicing and maintenance.

Chris Bielby, Chair of the Gas Safety Trust, said: 'The Gas Safety Trust is pleased to fund this report. We strongly believe that the information and data contained within it is crucial to the further reduction in fatalities or serious injuries from accidental carbon monoxide exposure in the home environment.'

The full DIDR report is available at www.gas-safety-trust.org.uk