TAKE CARBON monoxide safety seriously this winter, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Wales & West Utilities, after their research of over 2000 people shows that one in three households admit to not having a carbon monoxide detector in their home.
Data shows that November to February traditionally sees the highest rates of death from carbon monoxide poisoning, as more people use fuel burning appliances that if faulty, could release carbon monoxide.
You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but carbon monoxide can kill quickly without warning. According to government statistics, every year sees carbon monoxide sends 4,000 people to A&E, 40 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning and around 200 become seriously ill. When it comes to deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning, central heating boilers are the worst offenders, shortly followed by room heaters and gas cookers.
Carbon monoxide, an odourless and invisible gas and can be lethal if undetected, making the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm an essential aspect of home safety. And as the bitter winter cold is set to bite, RoSPA and Wales & West say there’s never a better time to check your defences against carbon monoxide.
The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
- tiredness and confusion
- stomach pain
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be like those of food poisoning and the flu. However, unlike the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever).
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Our research shows that one in three people polled don’t have a carbon monoxide alarm in their home which is extremely worrying, particularly as we move into some of the coldest months of the year.
“If you are a tenant, your landlord should, by law, install a carbon monoxide alarm, but we would always advise checking there is one, and if it is in full working order.
“If you are unsure about the risks of carbon monoxide, be sure to visit our carbon monoxide safety hub to keep yourself and loved ones safe.”
Clive Book, Head of Operations at Wales & West Utilities said: “CO is a silent killer but with the right, simple steps, the risks to you and your family can be dramatically reduced.
“We urge everyone to stay safe by getting an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and ensuring that all gas appliances are serviced annually, including gas boilers, cookers and water heaters”
Since December 1, 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, under Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) regulations, mandates landlords to ensure working CO alarms are fitted in all properties with gas, oil-fired, or solid fuel-burning appliances.
Wales (and England) are also subject to adhering Building Regulations Document J – England and Wales, which states that any new or replacement solid-fuel appliances in England and Wales require a BS EN 50291 Kitemarked Carbon Monoxide alarm. These alarms should be fitted in the same room as the appliance and can be mains or battery powered.
In Wales, Fitness for Human Habitation Regulations requires landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with gas, oil, or solid fuel-burning appliances.
- What type of carbon monoxide alarm is recommended? Like smoke alarms, these should be chosen based on your or your building’s needs, as well as complying with British Standards BS 50291. Our advice? Opt for sealed battery alarms
- Where should alarms be strategically located? A carbon monoxide alarm should be placed in every room with a fixed combustion appliance. If this isn’t the case, contact your landlord
- Is battery replacement considered a repair, and who handles it? Landlords are tasked with repairs. During tenancy, tenants manage battery replacements, while landlords address faulty alarms
- How should tenants conduct alarm testing? Testing is straightforward; follow manufacturer instructions. Landlords can provide demonstrations or written instructions to tenants
- What steps should tenants take if alarms aren’t functioning? Tenants replace batteries, and persistent issues should be reported to the landlord
- Have your gas appliances been serviced this year? Your landlord should arrange for a gas engineer on the Gas Safe Register to complete this. Also, your landlord should only consult with professionals when hired to annually service any other fossil-fuel burning appliances, such as oil or coal burning stoves.
For further information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit RoSPA and Wales & West’s carbon monoxide hub.
