The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning concerning the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning occurring within storage areas for wood pellets.
The notice for installers of biomass systems stipulates that even small amounts of wood pellets can pose a risk of life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide building up inside confined spaces.
The highest levels of emissions occur within six weeks of pellet manufacture and levels increase with temperature. Preventative action is required to avoid danger by competent installers, approved by biomass manufacturers or suppliers.
Nine fatalities have occurred throughout Europe since 2002 including a 38-year man in Ireland who died after entering his wood pellet storage area.
