CO-ol Safety

Are you part of the Young Leaders' Scheme? Why not join the CO-ol Safety Team! You'll be teaching younger groups about the importance of being Carbon Monoxide aware – a valuable Skill for Life – while working towards completing your Missions..

What is the CO-ol Safety Scheme?

This new scheme, in partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks, is designed to spread important Carbon Monoxide safety messages to groups, while also helping young people complete their volunteer hours for their top awards, including the Young Leader's Scheme..

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO) and why is important we know about about it?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas that can leak from everyday fuel burning appliances like boilers, heaters and cookers. It’s very dangerous and undetectable by human senses. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and CO poisoning can lead to long term health conditions and at high levels even death, which is why early awareness and action are so important.

CO is highly poisonous and produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, including gas, oil, wood, petrol, and coal.

It's not just household appliances that can produce carbon monoxide. Other risk areas include:

• Camp sites – campfires, gas stoves etc
• Boats – petrol/diesel motors and generators
• BBQs – particularly using in enclosed spaces
• Portable heaters – lack of maintenance and/or incorrect use
• Holiday accommodation – poorly installed or maintained appliances
• Garages – car exhausts
• Wood pellet storage areas – build-up of CO 

Being aware of the dangers of CO, knowing how to prevent exposure, and what to do if exposure does happen can save lives.

How does it work?

1. Learn about Carbon Monoxide (CO) – We suggest spending 1-2 hours on this. You can complete the Scouts' free CO e-learning, read the blog (both available on this page), and check out these websites:

   • Safety Seymour
   • The CO Crew.
2. Speak to your leader - Work with your leader to source groups where you can run a session. You can choose to work independently or with a buddy.
3. Research your session plans and activities – Spend 1-2 hours planning your sessions. We have a helpful programme planning tool with suggested activities for all age groups.
4. Run your sessions – We suggest spending around 1 hour teaching young people about CO awareness in each session.
5. Log your sessions – After each session, record what you’ve done on the Track and Train in your ESYL Logbook. You can also order a free pin badge from Scout Stores, available to all Track and Train team members.  
6. Update your CV – Don’t forget to add your volunteer experience to your CV!

What does this count towards?

That depends on which higher award you're aiming for.

Take a look at the pages below to see what's needed for your specific award. Volunteering hours count towards all of them, so running a session on CO awareness will help you make progress on any of them.

Introduction to the Young Leaders' Scheme | Activities | Scouts

Introduction to the DofE | Scouts

Chief Scout's Platinum Award | Scouts

Chief Scout's Diamond Award | Scouts

King's Scout Award | Scouts

How do I earn the free pin badge ?

If you'd like the free pin badge, just fill in this smartsheet letting us know when you completed your session and we'll send you an email with the link to Scout Store

CO-ol Safety Team - Sign up form

Resources