Energy Safe Victoria [ESV] has issued a warning for those across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay to not use outdoor heating appliances to keep their homes warm through a particularly cold Victorian winter, following an incident in Sydney on Tuesday, July 19.
Six people, including two children, attended hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms in western Sydney on Tuesday.
Reports have suggested the victims had been trying to heat a granny flat with a charcoal-fuelled barbecue.
Outdoor gas appliances, such as patio heaters and gas or charcoal-based barbecues, should not be used indoors as these appliances require ventilation to allow the carbon monoxide to escape.
ESV commissioner and chairperson Marnie Williams said confusion, shortness of breath or chest pain can be symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and very high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.
“It is cold and people need to stay warm but never use outdoor gas appliances in your house or an enclosed area,” she said.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can present like the flu or COVID-19, but can very quickly become fatal.”
In Victoria, the Coroners Court has been investigating the death of an elderly woman who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in her van at Cohuna in late February.
ESV recently provided a report which will form part of the Coronial brief of evidence.
