What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often called the “Silent Killer” because of its ability to take lives quickly and quietly when its victims never even knew they were at risk. You cannot see it, taste it or smell it but Carbon Monoxide can kill quickly without warning.
The gas is produced in high levels from appliances where incomplete combustion of a carbon-based fuel occurs. Incomplete combustion could occur in appliance installations that are defective, lack proper maintenance or have inadequate provision for combustion air.
According to the HSE statistics around 7 people per year die from poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated.
Fortunately, this toxic gas risk can be minimised with education, awareness and protection.
The regulations?
Landlords must have Carbon Monoxide detectors fitted in their properties to comply with the repairing standard.
The alarm must have a long-life sealed battery or mains powered detector in any space which contains a carbon-based fuel appliance (excluding cooking appliances) e.g. a gas/oil boiler, gas/oil fire, wood burning stove or open coal fire. In addition, there should also be one in any bedroom or living room which is bypassed by a flue.
Carbon monoxide detectors must comply with BS EN 50291-1:2010+A1:2012 and, where hard-wired or wireless installations are adopted, applicable European directives.
There are rules on the positioning of detectors including that they should in most cases be 1-3 metres from the appliance, 30cm from any walls (if ceiling mounted) and 15cm below ceilings (if wall mounted).
Carbon Monoxide detectors have expiry dates printed on them and must be replaced before that date is reached.
Alarm of choice
The alarms that we propose is the Aico Ei208 carbon monoxide alarm which has a 10-year life ‘sealed in’ Lithium battery. At under £25 each, it is a cheap way to save a life, and be compliant.
Further reading on the legislation can be read at https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/co.htm
Should you have any questions, please call on 01315107590 or visit our website https://winwinpropertymanagement.co.uk/
