Following the re-launch of the All Party Parliamentary Gas Safety Group in July 2010, the Group is now holding an independent parliamentary inquiry into the need for a multiagency reporting system for recording incidents of low level exposure to carbon monoxide.

With the successful campaigns that have taken place over the last few years the number of reported deaths from Carbon Monoxide poisoning went down to four last year. Now we must look at reducing the number of “near misses”. 

Exposure to carbon monoxide at a low level for a prolonged period of time can have a detrimental effect on peoples’ health.  Symptoms include headaches, memory loss and fatigue. 

The first step is to identify where, when and how often these incidents are taking place.

The Inquiry will consider the existing reporting systems used by the medical profession separately to those used by other groups such as the Health & Safety Executive and the energy companies.

It will then look at how these two strands of data can be drawn together as well as looking at some international examples.

The outcome of the inquiry will be a series of policy recommendations which will seek to improve the data collected and better direct the resources available to minimise chronic exposure to CO.

The Group would like to hear from any relevant stakeholders who would like to share their view on this important issue.

The inquiry will be sponsored by the Energy Network Association, Energy UK and the Gas Industry Safety Group.

If you would like to take part, please email Adrian McConnell at appgsg.inquiry@policyconnect.org.uk.