Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, from 1st October 2015 landlords of rented property are required the make sure their property has:

1) At least one working and in date smoke alarm on each floor of the property

2) A working and in date CO alarm in any room with a solid fuel (wood, coal) burning appliance is installed

3) been checked at the start of tenancy to make sure all alarms are present, in date and in working order.

The law in England is inconsistent with the rest of the UK and only covers solid fuel burning appliances, Carbon Monoxide can also be emitted by gas burning appliances and therefore it is best practice to ensure there is an additional CO alarm in any room with a gas burning appliance (such as a gas cooker, fire or a boiler).

The Carbon Monoxide (Detection and Safety) Bill  2017 – 2019 is currently going through parliament to make this recommendation a law, which in our opinion is a fantastic idea. All our managed properties already comply with this recommendation.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is known as the “silent killer” due to it being an odourless and colourless toxic gas. CO is produced when a fuel is not burnt properly, and can be produced from all gas, oil and solid fuel appliances, hence an annual service and annual safety test is very important to ensure appliances are operating correctly and safely.

Where should they be fitted?

A smoke alarm should be fitted according to manufacturers instructions but as a general guide:

1) On the ceiling, at least 30cm away from any wall or light fitting

2) Normally in a hallway where it can be heard throughout the house

A CO alarm should be fitted according to manufacturers instructions, but as a general guide:

1) At least 300mm from any wall (if ceiling mounted)

2) At least 150mm from any ceiling, door or window (if wall mounted

3) Between 1 and 3m from the potential source of CO (measured horizontally)

4) Not in an enclosed space (inside a cupboard for example)

5) Not where it could be obstructed

6) Not directly above a sink

7) Not near an extractor fan, air vent or similar opening

8) Not where the temperature could drop below -5 degrees or exceed 40 degrees.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Dull headache

Weakness

Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Confusion

Blurred vision

Loss of consciousness

IF YOU SUSPECT CO POISONING, LEAVE THE HOUSE IMMEDIATELY AND CALL 999.