Hot and cooling ashes from your wood-burning stove can be a carbon monoxide hazard. It is essential that you leave sufficient time after a fire to let the ashes cool fully and keep the stove door closed while this is happening.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – What to look for:
What physical symptoms to look for:
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- General Weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Dull headache
Make sure the ashes are disposed of in the correct way. Use safety gloves or steel ashcan, or a bucket that can be sealed. Don’t rush this job, as ash can easily spread. Dispose of the ash outside the home in a designated place. Remember, there is a number of uses for cold ash, which can include:
- Use in compost – Ash from wood burning stoves, can be a great additive to your compost heap or can be applied directly to fallow ground and dug in. It can be a natural source of potassium and trace elements. It also has a liming effect, so wood ash can remedy excessively acidic soils.
. - Icy surfaces – Ash can help thaw ice, very useful on icy paths or driveways.
. - Protect vegatables from slugs and snails – Ash acts as a great safeguard from attacks by slugs and snails. They don’t really like ash that much. So apart from it’s nutrutional elements to soil the fact it protects against these creatures is an added benefit too!
. - It Controls Algae – Ash is a great way to control algae, ideal if you have a pond. It slows down the production of algae and so is a great addition to help combat the troublesome green stuff!
. - Cleaning – Ash is great for cleaning, and that includes the cleaning of stove window glass too. It has a slightly abrasive feel and so, where appropriate it can be used to remove stains and marks. It is also ideal for covering stains on external brick works and patios too.
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Remember the Carbon Monoxide Risk!
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can be present in the fumes from the combustion of fuels that aren’t burnt under the correct conditions. Fuels such as gas, oil, solid mineral fuel and biomass all have the potential to emit CO.Carbon Monoxide cannot be seen, smelled or tasted making it hard to detect. Homeowners with a stove should fit a CO alarm conforming to BS EN 50291 and positioned in accordance with Building Regulations Approved Document J.
Burning wood is enjoyable, relaxing and a great way to sustainably heat your home. But always be aware that when you burn (anything) be aware of the potential hazards.
