An urgent recall has been made for a boiler following concerns it could leak carbon monoxide.
The Viessmann Vitorondens 200-T / 222-F Oil Condensing Boiler with Vitoflame 300 Oil Blue Flame Burner is the product being recalled.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued the recall stating that the product presents “a high risk of asphyxiation as testing has indicated that some 2021-2023 boilers may ignite late, causing pressure damage and possible CO leaks”.
It added: “This could expose people in the building to to unsafe exhaust gases and potentially lead to asphyxiation.”
Veissmann have notified end users who are affected by this issue and have warned installers of the risks.
Carbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you.
The NHS said symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- a headache
- dizziness
- feeling sick or being sick
- feeling weak
- tiredness and confusion
- chest and muscle pain
- shortness of breath
- your face turning hot and red (flushing) – but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin
- loss of vision
The symptoms may come and go. They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside.
There are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
- Get a carbon monoxide alarm that makes a loud sound if there's carbon monoxide present – get 1 for each room of your home containing appliances that burn gas, oil, coal or wood
- Get heating and cooking appliances properly installed and keep them well maintained
- Make sure boilers, heaters and cookers are serviced regularly by a qualified and registered engineer
- Keep rooms well ventilated, and make sure chimneys and flues are clean and well maintained
