Where to find an alarm

As an extra safeguard, you can buy Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in any good home/DIY store. Battery operated detectors are also available for travelling or using in caravans, etc.

A British Standard was published on 1st March 1996, (number BS 7860 / BS EN 50291) but was withdrawn in April 2006 and is no longer a valid standard for approval of products. The only standard which now applies in the UK (and across Europe) is the European Standard (EN50291). It is legal to sell alarms that comply to the British Standard BS7860 provided they are old stock manufactured before the deadline of April 2006.


Manufacturers

Sensotec 4-Warn (Tel. 08700 711 444 website: http://www.4-warn.com ) Sensotec have produced the World's first full range of battery & mains operated BS EN 50291:2001 approved and BSI Kitemarked Carbon Monoxide alarms. The new range provides many unique features including a 6 year guarantee, COHb alarm activation programming and an inbuilt automatic monthly gas test to ensure detector operation.

SF Detection (Website: www.sfdetection.com , Email: sfdistribution@lineone.net , Contact Telephone: Freephone 08005 974777) SF Detection provides a range of approved carbon monoxide alarms. The main unit for domestic use is the self contained SF350EN model (officially approved to latest European standard (EN50291) and officially approved by CORGI). To purchase an alarm, please call the freephone number above. Full mail order facilities available. Your unit will be with you within 24 hours.

Dicon (Tel. 10452 714999) Dicon offers the most comprehensive range of BS EN 50291 Kitemarked CO alarms available, ranging from a basic battery unit through to mains powered alarms with rechargeable battery backup. The alarms are packed with features to include a sensor that automatically self-tests using gas every month, replaceable sensor and a 6 year guarantee.

FireAngel Ltd ( www.fireangel.co.uk, tel 024 7623 6600, emails sales@fireangel.co.uk.) FireAngel carbon monoxide alarms are available through retailers and trade wholesalers. Outlets include Tesco, Boots, B&Q, Focus, Homebase, Waitrose and the Wolseley Parts and Plumb Centres. The digital carbon monoxide alarm displays a read out of CO and includes peak level memory.

EI (www.eielectronics.com UK Hotline: 0151-298-1588 e-mail: sales@eiltd.ie ) Ei Electronics manufacture in Ireland and are exclusively involved in the Residential Fire Safety Products Market incorporating Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and allied products. Ei have a range of 8 Carbon Monoxide Alarms include Ei 204EN Battery powered, Ei 205EN Battery powered with memory feature.All model are approved to latest European standard [EN50291EN] and are available from Homebase - Sainsburys - Wilikinsons - Woolworths - Robert Dyas from £19.99

Kidde (www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk) Kidde's retail range now consists of 9CO5UK, 900-0146UK, 900-0191UK and 900-0211UK. Please note that each of the above products are approved to latest European standard (EN50291). Information, including data sheets for the above are available on website.

First Alert/BRK (Tel. 01275 845024) Current Models: FCD3 which is widely available in retail ­ Focus, Wal-Mart, Index, Makro etc plus the CO3000 which is available through electrical wholesalers. Both alarms are battery operated ( battery included) and are guaranteed for 5 years. No need to change sensors with these models.

Please note: First Alert products are tested to UCL not BS or BSEU standards. UCL is the American version of a British Standard.

CO-Gas Safety is also trying to find the time and resources to undertake a comparison between the standards. However, CO-Gas Safety has not found or heard of anyone dying of CO who had any of the detectors which claimed to be to BS, BSEU or UCL standards.

CoGDEM www.cogdem.org.uk

If you need a natural gas alarm these are available from CORGI Tel. 0800 915 0490 and cost £89.80. Do let us know if you have any problem with this.



We do NOT recommend cheap black spot detectors because they do NOT have an audible alarm. This alarm could rouse you from a CO stupor and save your life.There is no British Standard for black spot detectors. Please note that the detectors with audible warnings to British Standards last five years so the cost of the initial purchase is not very high (around 20 pounds in 2005).

Also, Anne Brennan aged 19, a Durham student, had a black spot detector and it didn't save her from dying from CO. An audible alarm could rouse you from a CO induced stupor and save your life or that of a loved one!