Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
From 18th to 24th November 2024, we are proud to support Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. This annual campaign highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and underscores the critical importance of compliance with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
As the colder months approach, and with the ongoing pressures of rising energy costs, understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential to protecting lives and ensuring properties are safe and compliant.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, often called the “Silent Killer,” is an invisible, odourless gas produced when fuels do not burn completely. Faulty appliances such as boilers, log burners, or open fires are common sources of CO. Exposure to this gas can lead to severe health complications, including brain damage, heart disease, or even death.
Alarmingly, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by human senses. In the UK, around 50 people die annually from CO poisoning, and thousands more require emergency treatment. These tragic outcomes are largely preventable when proper safety measures and regulatory compliance are in place.
Legal Requirements
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which apply to England, require Landlords to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of their tenants:
Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
Must be installed in all rooms containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as wood burners or gas fires (excluding gas cookers).
Must be installed in the vicinty of a Gas Boiler
Landlords are responsible for repairing or replacing alarms as soon as they are informed of a fault.
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000.
Smoke Alarms:
A smoke alarm must be installed on every storey of a property where a room is used wholly or partly as living accommodation.
These alarms must also be repaired or replaced promptly when a fault is reported.
These requirements place a clear legal obligation on Landlords and property managers to ensure appropriate alarms are installed and maintained in all rented properties.
To meet the legal requirements and safeguard against the risks of smoke and CO exposure, Landlords and property professionals need to take the following steps:
1. Install and Test Alarms
Ensure all required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed in compliance with the regulations. Regularly test these alarms to confirm they are functional and replace batteries where necessary.
2. Service Fuel-Burning Appliances
Arrange for annual servicing of all fuel-burning appliances, such as boilers and fires, by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Poorly maintained appliances are a leading cause of CO leaks.
3. Educate Tenants
Provide tenants with information about the importance of smoke and CO alarms. Encourage them to report any faults immediately and to understand the dangers of tampering with alarms or neglecting maintenance.
4. Keep Records
Maintain detailed records of alarm installations, inspections, and servicing to demonstrate compliance with regulations. This documentation may be critical in the event of a regulatory investigation.
Compliance Saves Live
Carbon monoxide poisoning and fire-related deaths are preventable tragedies. By complying with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022, installing alarms, and maintaining fuel-burning appliances, property professionals and Landlords can protect lives and fulfil their legal obligations.