STUDENTS are being warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, as the new academic year starts.

Transco, the gas pipeline company, is issuing advice to students, as many are living away from home for the first time and may not be aware of the dangers.

The company is advising anyone living in private, rented accommodation, to ask their landlords to show them the certificate of inspection to prove gas appliances have been properly maintained by Corgi-registered engineers.

The Northern Echo has long called for tighter laws to prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning as part of its Silent Killer campaign, which it took to Downing Street.

Up to the end of last year, more than 100 people had died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes over the previous five years. A further 953 were treated for the effects of inhaling carbon monoxide.

A survey has shown that less than 20 per cent of students in rented accommodation know what to do if they suspect a gas leak.

Transco has five simple safety points for anyone who smells gas:

* Do not smoke or light matches;

* Do not turn electrical switches on or off;

* Open doors and windows to get rid of gas;

* Turn off the gas at the meter, unless you need to switch on a light to find it;

* Ring the free Transco 24-hour emergency service on (0800) 111999.