Carbon Monoxide regulations
As reported in June, the rules around carbon monoxide detectors in rented properties changed at the start of October this year.
As a result, any room being used as living accommodation where there is a fuel burning appliance will normally require a carbon monoxide alarm. This includes gas fires, wood-burners, oil or gas boilers, but excludes gas cookers. Living accommodation includes bathrooms and toilets, and also includes halls and landings.
The legislation also requires landlords to take action when tenants report a faulty alarm to them.
The regulations apply both to houses and flats and also to HMOs. For licensed HMOs, the requirement will be specified in the licence. Failure to comply can lead to a civil penalty being imposed of up to £5,000 for each breach.
Landlords must be able to demonstrate that the devices were tested on the day the tenancy starts. One suggestion of best practice is that when landlords are having appliances annually services (e.g. boilers) they also ask the contractor to test the alarms so that there is a record of a device being tested once a year.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas.
It is produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, wood and coal.
When CO enters the body it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. CO poisoning can kill without warning. Symptoms can vary, but according to HSE signs of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, breathlessness,nausea, loss of consciousness, tiredness, erratic behaviour, visual problems and feeling weak.
Signs of incomplete combustion include:
- Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame)
- Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out
- Increased condensation inside windows
What to do if you think an appliance is spilling carbon monoxide
- Switch off the appliance and shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve
- Open all windows and doors to ventilate the room
- Evacuate the room
- Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
