CARBON monoxide poisoning because of faulty and poorly serviced gas and coal burning heating machinery has caused an estimated 200 cot deaths and 500 'near misses'.

The figures, which come from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, have led to a call for a new registration system for gas and solid fuel heating fitters and a programme of public education about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

The figures have alarmed Burnley MP Peter Pike who is calling on the Government to introduce an individual registration system for each of the area's fitters - more than 200,000 - for gas and coal burning heating.

He believes it is the only effective way in which the Health and Safety Executive and the gas fitters' organisation Corgi can check on the individual competence of its fitters.

The current system merely registers businesses - more than 50,000 - and Mr Pike believes this allows sub standard installers to continue their work.

He believes that only by allowing individual fitters to be registered can the danger be ended.

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