Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2022

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week takes place annually in the UK to raise awareness around the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the steps the public can take to stay safe. Spreading the word about staying safe is vital, due to carbon monoxide potentially harming us without us even knowing, as the gas cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.

This year, the focus of the awareness week is around the following messages:

The new rules for carbon monoxide alarms

New rules regarding carbon monoxide alarms in all rented homes, named The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, came into force from 1^st October this year.

The new rules are as follows:

1. One smoke alarm must be equipped on each storey of a home where there are rooms used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement since 2015 for private rental properties.
2. Any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance must have a carbon monoxide alarm equipped.
3. If smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are found to be faulty, they must be repaired or replaced in the first instance.

For all round safety, these regulations should be considered alongside all other relevant laws on fire and carbon monoxide safety in rental properties.

How to stay safe from carbon monoxide at home

Unblock ventilation

One of the most frequent causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is blocked ventilation, especially stoves, fires and gas cooker vents. Vents are often covered or blocked to stop a draught, but this can be dangerous; so always ensure rooms with heaters and gas appliances are well ventilated. This also applies to chimneys which should be swept yearly to remove rubble, animal nests and foliage that could potentially stop air from flowing.

Recognise the symptoms

If any of the following symptoms are detected, seek medical attention as a matter of urgency. A doctor will be able to run tests to determine whether carbon monoxide poisoning is present and treat accordingly:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Short of breath
• Nausea (sickness)
• Feeling weak
• Loss of consciousness

Know the source

Knowing what appliances produce carbon monoxide is vital to staying safe. The following appliances should be correctly installed and maintained to avoid any faults which could eventually poison someone with carbon monoxide:

• Gas cookers
• Gas boilers
• Clay ovens
• Gas heaters
• Portable generators
• Wood, coal and gas fires
• Portable barbeques
• Camping stoves

Our Gas Safe registered engineers are highly experienced in installing gas appliances. If you are considering having one of the appliances listed above installed, it is best to have a Gas Safe engineer install it to ensure safety from carbon monoxide. Safety tests are always part of our installations of gas appliances.

Another way to ensure you are protected is by the use of a carbon monoxide alarm. These alarms detect the presence of the dangerous gas in the air. It is important to note that carbon monoxide specific alarms do not detect smoke, therefore they should be used alongside fire alarms. Carbon monoxide detectors are readily available online for as little as £15 and the majority of them can easily be installed at home.

If you require any further advice or assistance, contact us – we’re happy to help.