UNIAID TEAM UP WITH SF DETECTION

UNIAID, the charitable organisation set up to raise funds and provide assistance to students around the UK, have teamed up with the UK’s leading carbon monoxide (CO) alarm manufacturer, SF Detection, to protect students from CO poisoning.

Every year there are still many injuries and deaths among the student population when fuel burning appliances are not properly maintained or simply break down. Students, particularly in rented accommodation, are regarded as one the highest risk groups with regards to CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide detectors are perceived as a priority in these areas as the majority of students live in shared rented accommodation, therefore having no one person with overall responsibility for the house.

Although law states that landlords must have gas appliances checked for safety by a CORGI registered installer every 12 months, students
do not often ask for the written proof of this check. They also may not ensure that appliances are repaired if defective or that the flue is kept unblocked throughout the year.

Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it has no smell, taste or colour and the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to other ailments. The main symptoms of headaches, nausea, drowsiness and general lethargy can often be blamed on the flu or a hangover.

CO can kill quickly in large quantities or build up slowly over time with the same effect. Non-fatal levels of CO can also cause long term damage to health, which can ultimately result in brain damage
and/or paralysis.

The need for effective CO alarms is clear.

The UNIAID campaign was recently launched at the University of Hertfordshire where 50 SF CO alarms were donated for use by students. SF Detection have also set up a national freephone
number which students can call with their college ID and NUS number and purchase a CO alarm at a greatly reduced price.

Lucy Salter, Event Director at UNIAID says, “It was recommended to us that SF Detection are the market leaders for CO alarms and so it was clear that we should be talking to them with regards to this campaign. They have been very helpful in the setting up this project and the partnership we have now set up with them will make a real difference to student welfare across the country”.

Adrian Keats, Key Account Manager at SF Detection added, “We are very pleased to be involved in this project. Our aim has always been to reduce the number of CO injuries and deaths that occur each year across the UK and if we can help to protect more of the student  population with our CO alarms then this initiative with UNIAID will
make a significant contribution to these aims”.

The campaign is being co-ordinated from the UNIAID headquarters, based in London. The various offers, promotions and project details are then not only promoted through national media but also sent out to all student unions across the UK. This should ensure that all students have the opportunity to take advantage of this initiative and ultimately protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning.

For further details please contact SF Detection at :
4 Stinsford Road,
Nuffield Industrial Estate,
Poole,
Dorset BH17 0RZ

Tel: 01202 645577
Fax: 01202 665331
email: sales@sfdetection.com 
website: www.sfdetection.com