11 — Carbon monoxide & generators

Scope: UKHSA/GOV.UK CO guidance; Gas Safe; Fire service messaging; portable generators vs battery power stations. Critical for any backup heat/cook/fuel kit.
Last researched: 27 Sep 2026 (Europe/London).

ESSENTIAL

What CO is (GOV.UK UKHSA)

• Colourless, tasteless, odourless gas from incomplete combustion.
• Indoor sources: poorly installed/faulty fuel appliances; BBQs and portable generators used inside homes, caravans, tents; smoke from fires.
• Attaches to haemoglobin → reduces oxygen delivery. Can kill; chronic low exposure mimics flu.

Protect (GOV.UK)

• Service fossil-fuel appliances via Gas Safe (gas), HETAS (solid fuel), OFTEC (oil).
• Keep flues/chimneys clear; adequate ventilation.
• Fit audible CO alarm to BS EN 50291 (Kitemark / EN 50291). Alarm is not a substitute for servicing; may not catch very low chronic levels.
• Never use petrol/diesel generators, BBQs, or fuel heaters indoors or in enclosed/partially enclosed spaces (garages attached to living space included in standard safety messaging).

If alarm sounds / suspected leak (GOV.UK)

1. Stop using appliances; evacuate; stay calm / avoid raising heart rate
2. Call National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999 or HSE Gas Safety Advice 0800 300 363
3. Do not re-enter until advised
4. Seek medical help — NHS 111 / GP / 999 if severe

Generators (UK safety framing)

• HSENI and UK fire services: operate generators outdoors, well ventilated, exhaust away from windows/doors/vents.
• US OSHA often cites ~20 ft / ~7 m separation — treat generous outdoor spacing as best practice; follow your generator manual and UK fire service advice.
• Anker SOLIX C1000 / C300 are battery power stations (no combustion exhaust). They do not produce CO when used as designed — different hazard class from petrol generators (still follow manufacturer electrical/fire safety: ventilation while charging, no overload, indoor use per manual).

Cooking / heat in outages

• Torches not candles preferred (Prepare).
• Any camping stove / gas: outdoors only, manufacturer rules, CO alarm in home.

USEFUL

• NHS carbon monoxide poisoning page for symptoms.
• Vulnerable: heart/lung disease, anaemia, children, pregnancy, older adults (GOV.UK).
• Landlord CO alarm duties (Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regs) — renters should still verify working alarms.
• Document Gas Safe engineer ID on visits.

Cumbria notes

• Rural temptation to run generators in barns/garages “just for a bit” — still deadly. Prefer battery stations indoors for Starlink/phones/lights (Ch. 13).
• Solid-fuel stoves common in Cumbria: annual sweep + CO alarm.

Source URLs

NHS symptom & action checklist (supplement)

Symptoms (NHS): headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, weakness, tiredness/confusion, chest/muscle pain, shortness of breath, flushing (may be harder to see on darker skin), vision loss. May improve when leaving the building and worsen when returning.

Causes listed by NHS: faulty/poorly maintained boilers, cookers, heaters, fires; portable generators; barbecues or camping stoves indoors/in tents; engines running in enclosed garages.

Action:

• Stop using suspect appliances if safe; go outside; get medical advice; do not re-enter until advised
• Call NHS 111 if you think you have CO poisoning symptoms
• Call 999 / A&E if hard to breathe, sudden confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness, chest/muscle pain — do not drive yourself

Prevention (NHS Do / Don’t):

• CO alarm in each room with combustion appliances
• Proper install + regular service by qualified registered engineers
• Ventilation; clean flues/chimneys
• Don’t BBQ/camping stove indoors or in tents
• Don’t leave engines on in enclosed spaces
• Suspected gas appliance CO: 0800 111 999 (24/7)

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

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