This article is from page 3 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
HOUSEHOLDERS in Clare are being warned to be aware of the dangers of using home heaters, after an inquest heard that a man died at his Shannon home from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gary Murphy (45), of 18 Elm House, Drumgeely, died in his sleep at his Shannon apartment in January, after a gas fire was left on.
Ennis Coroner’s Court heard last week that Gary did not turn up for lunch at his parents’ home, on January 31 last.
His parents Joseph and Angela then travelled to his apartment, after 2pm. They noticed the gas fire was on and his son was in bed. “It was as if he was asleep, but I knew he was dead,” said Mr Murphy.
Garda Brian McCarthy said he arrived at the deceased’s home at 3.10pm where he met his parents.
As he entered the apartment, he could get a slight smell of fumes. He said a gas fire was on in the kitchen/ sitting room area of the apartment.
He went into the bedroom where he could see a male, aged approximately 40, in bed.
“It appeared as if the deceased went to bed the night before and did not get up,” said the garda.
Coroner Dr Curran carried out a post-mortem examination on the deceased’s body, at Limerick Regional Hospital, on February 1.
She said a carbon monoxide examination was carried out and showed a saturation of 59 per cent.
“That is a lethal measurement,” said Dr Curran.
She said in her opinion the cause of death was asphyxia, secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Coroner Isobel O’Dea said: “I am satisfied there is nothing to indicate any intention by Mr Murphy to take his own life. The most appropriate verdict is an open verdict.”
Clare’s Acting Chief Fire Officer Denis O’Connell said precautions must be taken, in an effort to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
These include placing portable heaters away from furniture and curtains and making sure there is adequate ventilation where heaters are used.
“Never move gas, oil, or electric heaters when in use and have fuelburning household heating equipment, including fireplaces and furnaces, checked every year before the cold weather sets in,” said Mr O’Connell.
“Possible reasons for carbon monoxide poisoning include faulty, or damaged heating appliances, blocked chimneys or flues, poor installation of heating appliances and indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater,” he said.