A WOMAN and a 14-year-old girl had to be given oxygen by firefighters after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning at their home.

Fire crews were called to the end terraced house in Somerville Street, Halliwell, just before 10pm on Sunday.

A gas engineer was already at the house and had isolated the boiler — but the woman and teenager were complaining of headaches and feeling dizzy.

A fire service trauma technician gave the pair oxygen and they were taken to hospital for treatment, but were later discharged. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless poisonous gas produced when carbon based fuels, including gas and oil, do not burn properly.

The Health and Safety Executive warns that it can kill quickly, with 11 people a year dying from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been installed or maintained properly, or are poorly ventilated.

Research by the Gas Safe Register has found that 10 per cent of fitted gas appliances in Bolton are unsafe, and could have resulted in gas explosions, fires, leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning if left unchecked.

The organisation has launched a campaign to save lives, which is being backed by Korrinne Boaro, from Smithills, who fell foul of an unregistered gas fitter when she wanted a new boiler and fire fitted in November, 2011.

Gas Safe Register chief executive Russell Kramer said: “Gas safety is a life or death matter.”

In March, Kelly Webster, aged 36, and 10-year-old Lauren Thornton died from suspected gas poisoning on a boat on Windermere.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with common illnesses and can include headaches or dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, visual problems, tiredness and pains in the chest or stomach.

Urgent medical help should be sought and the National Gas Emergency Service called on 0800 111 999.

The appliance and gas supply should also be turned off at the meter and doors and windows opened to ventilate rooms.

l Go to silentkiller.co.uk to sign up for a free annual gas safety check reminder.