NORTH-EAST students moving into their rented homes for the new term are being warned against the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The invisible gas, which kills more than 30 people a year, could be stopped from seeping into homes if fires and flues are checked regularly, safety inspectors warned last night.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a gas safety leaflet warning vulnerable groups, including students, to be vigilant in checking the condition of their gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas and can pose a particular risk where people sleep in a room where a gas appliance is left burning at night.

The HSE said that by law, landlords must have their gas fittings and flues maintained and checked for safety once every year. A record of their checks should be available to tenants before they move in.

Ian Waugh, HSE's head of operations with responsibility for gas safety, said: "Students are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning because they most often live in rented accommodation, where gas appliances are used throughout the house."

He urged students to insist on seeing a copy of the safety certificate.

"We're warning students about the dangers, but this does not mean other people are not at risk too. Never use a gas appliance if you think it isn't working properly and never block or obstruct the ventilation grills or air vents."

He advised people to buy carbon monoxide alarms, but not to substitute them for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances.

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, drowsiness, headache and pains in the chest and stomach.

For advice on any gas safety issue, call 0800 300 363.

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