The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched its annual public awareness campaign - 'Watch Out. Carbon Monoxide Kills'.

The campaign aims to help prevent the incidence of carbon monoxide deaths and poisoning in Northern Ireland this winter.

The launch coincides with Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, which starts today. And, it comes less than a month after new legislation which makes it compulsory for all new homes in Northern Ireland to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed.

The 'Watch Out. Carbon Monoxide Kills' campaign warns people of the dangers of this silent killer from oil, gas, coal and solid fuel and calls on everyone to act now to stay safe.

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With winter under way and heating systems and solid fuel fires being used more, this targeted, hard-hitting campaign reminds homeowners to make sure their chimneys and flues are cleaned at least once a year, and that appliances, such as heaters, boilers and cookers, are serviced at least annually by a registered engineer.

It also demonstrates how installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home can help protect you, and your family.

Launching this year's campaign, Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive of HSENI, said:"Our 'Watch Out' campaign is designed to make people sit up and listen, to take note and to be aware.

"The key challenge in reducing carbon monoxide poisoning and death is that it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It can often be difficult to diagnose as it mimics the symptoms of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches. This is why it is so important to make everyone aware of the dangers and what to do to protect yourself, and others.

"Carbon monoxide alarms can help alert you to the dangers if this poisonous gas escapes but they must never be regarded as a substitute for proper installation, maintenance, servicing and cleaning of appliances that use gas, coal, oil or any other solid fuel."

(CD)