Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations: Are you ready?

Independent, registered charity CO-Gas Safety supports parliamentary campaign on

carbon monoxide alarms

This year, the laws are changing for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes in the UK, meaning that many more domestic properties will be legally required to have such alarms.

To raise awareness of the new rules, CO-Gas Safety is delighted to support the Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives campaign, which will run from 11 July to 28 August this year. The campaign is being supported by Britain’s four gas distribution networks: Wales & West Utilities, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, and Cadent. Each week there will be new digital resources to download via the campaign homepage.

The campaign will explain what carbon monoxide is, how to stay safe, and why households need to install carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled, making alarms vital.  Homes need to have an alarm that can alert occupants to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to protect them from serious harm or even death.

‘CO-Gas Safety has been lobbying for raised awareness and testing of Carbon Monoxide since its launch in 1995. We believed that CO alarms would save lives and managed to join the British Standards committee on CO alarms as soon as we could. We were delighted by the EN standard 50291. CO alarms to EN 50291 bought direct from the manufacturers or from reputable retailers (e.g. DIY stores/supermarkets) do save lives. Please be aware that CO alarms are no substitute for regular servicing by qualified people and chimney/flue cleaning. CO alarms, even to EN 50291 are not health monitors. Please buy one now, get it out of the box and get it working. Your life or that of your loved ones may well depend on it! Thank you.’

The change to the law follows years of campaigning by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, and others which CO-Gas Safety is proud to support.

Barry Sheerman MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group says:

“By making carbon monoxide alarms a legal requirement, governments are sending a strong message – carbon monoxide is seriously harmful. If you don’t have an alarm, you need to get one for your home as soon as possible.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill. It can cause harm to our vital organs and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children. Please join our campaign to spread the word about carbon monoxide alarms this summer – and make sure your home is protected.”

You can get involved with the campaign too – check out the campaign homepage from 11 July 2022 or email laura.fatah@policyconnect.org.uk to sign up for the weekly campaign emails.

For help understanding these duties and regulations, or to seek legal advice, please contact Citizens Advice, who provide a free advice service for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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Notes for editors

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can form when any carbon-based fuel is burnt. Typical sources include gas appliances, petrol engines, and solid fuel (e.g., fires and stoves). The NHS states that severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 60 accidental deaths in England and Wales every year. Exposure to carbon monoxide at sub-lethal levels causes common, non-specific symptoms, (e.g., headaches, nausea, dizziness), and therefore is thought to be under-reported.

The regulations for each nation in detail

Scotland

Since February 1^st, 2022, all Scottish homes are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) or a flue. In rented properties, landlords are responsible for supplying the alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms must meet the relevant British Standards (EN 50291-1), and must have ‘a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan’ to prevent tampering or the need for battery changes.

England

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force on October 1^st, 2022, in England following debate in the Second Committee for Delegated Legislation on June 20^th and approval in the House of Commons on June 21st. These changes will require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required when a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is first installed in any home. Both private and social sector landlords will have a duty to repair or replace alarms, once informed that they are faulty.

Wales

The Welsh Government recently announced that it will bring forward changes from December 2022 1^st (delayed from July 15^th, 2022) with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which under the regulations for Fitness for human habitation (FFHH) will require landlords to ensure working carbon monoxide detectors are fitted in their properties where there is any gas appliance, an oil-fired combustion appliance or a solid fuel burning combustion appliance.

Northern Ireland

Carbon monoxide alarms are a mandatory requirement for all homes where a new fossil fuel appliance is installed in Northern Ireland, after a change to The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 came into operation on 31 October 2012. The Private Tenancies Act, which requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in privately rented homes and places a duty on landlords to repair them, received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022.

About the All-Party Group

The All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG) is the leading forum for parliamentarians from both the Houses of Commons and Lords to work together to address carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Through its busy programme of events and research, the Group seeks to push the vital issue of carbon monoxide safety up the political agenda, to improve government policy, to support research and to raise public awareness of the threat posed by carbon monoxide. The All-Party Group is supported by the think tank Policy Connect and receives funding from the four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) to carry out its work.

For more information, please email the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG), Laura Fatah at laura.fatah@polciyconnect.org.uk

EMBARGOED UNTIL 8AM 11 JULY

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations: Are you ready?

MPs celebrate/welcome new alarms laws

This year, the laws are changing for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the UK.

To raise awareness of the new rules, a new campaign ‘Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives’ launches today [Monday 11 July] and will run all summer until 28 August, thanks to sponsorship from Britain’s four gas distribution networks: Wales & West Utilities, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, and Cadent.

Carbon monoxide – ‘the silent killer’ – cannot be detected by human senses. However, a sounding alarm can to alert occupants to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This year, many more domestic properties will be legally required to have such alarms.

The change to the law follows years of campaigning by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, which has been formally calling for carbon monoxide alarms to be required in many more homes since 2017.

The group’s chair, Barry Sheerman MP says:

“By making carbon monoxide alarms a legal requirement, governments are sending a strong message – carbon monoxide is seriously harmful. If you don’t have an alarm, you need to get one for your home as soon as possible.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill. It can cause harm to our vital organs and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children. Please join our campaign to spread the word about carbon monoxide alarms this summer – and make sure your home is protected.”

The newly launched campaign will show the public how to stay safe from carbon monoxide and explain why homes need carbon monoxide alarms. You can join in too – download the digital asset pack for the campaign for free.

For help understanding these regulations or to seek legal advice, please contact Citizen’s Advice, who provide a free advice service for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Notes for editors

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can form when any carbon-based fuel is burnt. Typical sources include gas appliances, petrol engines, and solid fuel (e.g., fires and stoves). The NHS states that severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 60 accidental deaths in England and Wales every year. Exposure to carbon monoxide at sub-lethal levels causes common, non-specific symptoms, (e.g., headaches, nausea, dizziness), and therefore is thought to be under-reported.

The regulations for each nation in detail

Scotland

Since February 1^st, 2022, all Scottish homes are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (excluding an appliance used solely for cooking) or a flue. In rented properties, landlords are responsible for supplying the alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms must meet the relevant British Standards (EN 50291-1), and must have ‘a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan’ to prevent tampering or the need for battery changes.

England

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force on October 1^st, 2022, in England following debate in the Second Committee for Delegated Legislation on June 20^th and approval in the House of Commons on June 21st. These changes will require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required when a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is first installed in any home. Both private and social sector landlords will have a duty to repair or replace alarms, once informed that they are faulty.

Wales

The Welsh Government recently announced that it will bring forward changes from December 2022 1^st (delayed from July 15^th, 2022) with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which under the regulations for Fitness for human habitation (FFHH) will require landlords to ensure working carbon monoxide detectors are fitted in their properties where there is any gas appliance, an oil-fired combustion appliance or a solid fuel burning combustion appliance.

Northern Ireland

Carbon monoxide alarms are a mandatory requirement for all homes where a new fossil fuel appliance is installed in Northern Ireland, after a change to The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 came into operation on 31 October 2012. The Private Tenancies Act, which requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in privately rented homes and places a duty on landlords to repair them, received Royal Assent on 27 April 2022.

About the All-Party Group

The All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG) is the leading forum for parliamentarians from both the Houses of Commons and Lords to work together to address carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Through its busy programme of events and research, the Group seeks to push the vital issue of carbon monoxide safety up the political agenda, to improve government policy, to support research and to raise public awareness of the threat posed by carbon monoxide. The All-Party Group is supported by the think tank Policy Connect and receives funding from the four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) to carry out its work.

For more information, please email the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG), Laura Fatah at laura.fatah@polciyconnect.org.uk

Please see the call for evidence with regard to acquired brain injury. Please see https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/acquired-brain-injury-call-for-evidence/acquired-brain-injury-call-for-evidence  

If you scroll down the survey is there but you can also read and click on the following completing the public survey – you scroll down to ‘start’.

‘How to respond

The easiest way to participate in the call for evidence as an individual is by completing the public survey.

If you have any technical problems with using the online survey or if you cannot send your submission via the online portal, please log the issue by emailing abicallforevidence@dhsc.gov.uk. Do not send any personal information to this email address.

We also welcome written submissions from individuals and organisations who have an interest and expertise in acquired brain injury. Written submission can include the contribution of data, research and other reports of relevance, and must be limited to 10 pages.

Written submissions can be submitted in Word or PDF format and emailed to abicallforevidence@dhsc.gov.uk’

Excellent talk by lawyer and doctor Dr Sophie Duggan

CO inside cars: what are we breathing? A UK-based observational study of in-cabin vehicle CO levels | CO Research

Sophie was exposed to CO along with her children inside her car. She approached CO-Gas Safety as a survivor.  We introduced her to Kane International because Kane is involved in car exhaust systems and she wanted to undertake some research. We also told her about the other bodies interested in research work.

CO-Gas Safety responds to a recent interview with Baroness Finlay. 

Stephanie Trotter
February 4th 2022

CO-Gas Safety responds to a recent interview with Baroness Finlay.

Stephanie Trotter, OBE, President & Director of CO-Gas Safety responds to a recent interview that Air Quality News published with Baroness Finlay (see https://airqualitynews.com/2021/12/22/big-interview-air-quality-news-talks-to-baroness-finlay/).

Finlay mentioned a recent report published by the Clean Air Fund that found that reducing pollution to World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended levels could benefit the UK economy by £1.6bn annually by reducing premature deaths, reducing sickness absence, and improving productivity at work.

We were delighted by Finlay’s concern about air pollution damaging health. We agree, ‘There are no ‘safe levels’ of air pollution, whether that is indoors or outdoors. Air pollutants are present in every home’.
We also applaud Baroness Finlay’s concern for the indoor environment where toxins are much more concentrated yet can be prevented. Brits spend over 90% of their time indoors.

Some quick wins on raising awareness and testing for carbon monoxide could be made by testing for carbon monoxide.

At the Air Quality News conference, when questioned, Finlay expressed concern about the cost of testing the air for CO.

CO-Gas Safety understands the need to show a cost-benefit. But the known deaths and injuries from CO cost the UK taxpayer £178m a year. Most agree that the known deaths & injuries from unintentional CO are only the tip of an iceberg.

Ofgem, which licenses the gas industry has made millions available for the benefit of vulnerable customers. This means those on or eligible for the Priority Service Register, (e.g. the disabled, poor, sick, elderly, etc.). But Jonathan Brierley, CEO of Ofgem admitted to CO-Gas Safety that everyone is vulnerable to CO.

Northern Gas Networks undertook research that established testing appliances for CO only adds 5-7 minutes on to every visit by the gas emergency service.

Therefore, the funds exist and the research has been done. Also, if HSE told Ofgem that testing for CO is a safety issue (and how can it not be?), Ofgem would find any further funding required. It is surely vital to find the source of the CO.

Why are free tests of the air in homes for deadly CO not being provided at every opportunity?

Finlay’s own recommendations in 2011 advocated testing. APPCOG has, in the past, supported our call for compulsory testing as part of the landlord’s gas safety check.

Sadly, the gas emergency service which attends free and tests for a leak of unburned gas (which you can smell) is not required to test for CO (and you can’t smell CO). We’ve been lobbying since 1995 for this to be changed. We’re also lobbying for a levy on the whole fuel industry to pay for raising awareness of the dangers of CO, testing, collecting data, research, and survivor support which we, as a tiny, unfunded charity cannot provide.

Phil Burrows of Cadent, one of the four providers of the gas emergency service, has recently told us ‘Cadent launched a pilot programme for vulnerable customers in April 2021. Some of Cadent’s engineers, qualified under CMDDA, test gas appliances for CO. If the source of CO is found, action is taken to make the emitting appliance safe. This keeps the customer safe and warm in their home.’

We congratulate Phil and Cadent. But do survivors have proof of CO in writing/digitally to give their medics?

To identify the source of the CO and have proof for the medics would transform the lives of survivors and their medics, as well as save NHS funds, help raise awareness, provide data and improve safety.

Let’s hope all the emergency service providers follow Cadent’s good example because however wealthy, wise and competent a person may be, everyone is vulnerable to CO, even those in the gas industry and MPs.

Stephanie Trotter, OBE, President & Director of CO-Gas Safety, Safety Lobbyist & Barrister (not practising at the moment).

Thank you to all the courageous and generous survivors, who gave us quotes for this article and for our website. Hopefully, the MPs will read this and take action at last.

There are two versions of this article:-

1. The article as published in the House (of Commons) Magazine (PDF) and
2. The word version with footnotes (Word).

This content was paid for by the registered charity CO-Gas Safety

Proof matters: the vital importance of testing for Carbon Monoxide

No one is immune from the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Recent progress shows that positive action can be taken. We owe it to the victims and survivors of this ‘silent killer’ to do more.

We spend 92% of our time indoors¹. Pollutants are more concentrated indoors yet easy to eliminate.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) symptoms are similar to a virus, including COVID-19. Diagnosing CO in survivors is almost impossible because CO leaves breath and blood quickly; even if blood is tested, it is usually negative for CO. Continue reading →

https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws–Standards/Voluntary-Standards/Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms

We are very grateful to Charon McNabb (info@ncoaa.us) who said that according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “CO alarms are life safety devices, not injury prevention devices”  Stephanie asked Charon for a reference to this and she kindly sent the above link and read the following

‘CPSC staff is currently participating in voluntary standards activities related to improving the reliability and performance of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CO alarms are life safety devices to warn consumers of the accumulation of potentially hazardous levels of CO in their home before their ability to react has been compromised. CO alarms are not intended to protect consumers against low-level CO exposures.’

This is very similar to what CO-Gas Safety has been saying about CO alarms to EN 50291.

Alarm thresholds for domestic alarms https://www.co-gassafety.co.uk/about-co/alarms-2/

• at 30ppm CO, the alarm must not activate (tested for at least 120 minutes)
• at 50ppm CO, the alarm must not activate before 60 minutes but must activate before 90 minutes
• at 100ppm CO, the alarm must not activate before 10 minutes but must activate before 40 minutes
• at 300ppm CO, the alarm must activate within 3 minutes

SGN have launched new learning materials aimed to teach 12–16-year-olds about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), and how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the ‘silent killer’. 

SGN are on a mission to teach everyone about how to stay safe from the highly poisonous gas. Their true crime-inspired ‘whodunnit’ game has been designed to be delivered in educational settings such as schools, youth clubs and other extracurricular groups, by a teacher or group leader. The associated materials will give you the tools to teach young people everything they need to know about carbon monoxide, including the symptoms of CO poisoning, how to spot the signs of CO, how to make sure gas or carbon-fuelled appliances are working properly, and how to stay CO safe in a fun, interactive way.

The game, which can be played either using the interactive video or offline using the roleplay script, features the story of the Plum family, who return from holiday to a nasty shock involving Grandma Plum and Poppy the dog. Young people can use the family’s witness statements and clues, revealed throughout the video, to solve the mystery of who the Silent Killer is.

On the Silent Killer website, cards and a crime board can be downloaded to make playing along more engaging, and there’s also an information leaflet that provides some key CO safety information for the young people to keep and take home to share the learning with their household.

All resources, which are now available to view and download, can be found at www.thesilentkiller.co. So if you work with young people, or know someone who does please use and share these resources to help educate as many young people as possible and keep them and their households safe from the dangers of CO.