MESSAGE TO LANDLORDS
- The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022.
- Landlords will be required to provide carbon monoxide alarms in any room of their properties used wholly or partly as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is present (excluding gas cookers).
- Landlords must repair or replace any alarm which is found to be faulty during the period of a tenancy, and landlords will be required to repair or replace alarms as soon as reasonably practicable.
- Any landlord found to be in breach could be fined up to £5,000.
What is a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
A carbon Monoxide Alarm is an early alert for possible carbon monoxide poisoning. They are installed in your home and work like a fire or smoke alarm by sounding an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide (CO2).
Modern CO Alarms look like smoke alarms (standard smoke alarms do not detect CO) and can be supplied & installed by our engineers here at MPE Plumbing Heating Gas.
It’s advisable to fit a CO detector in every room with a gas appliance, following the manufacturer’s fitting instructions carefully.
Typically, CO Alarms have a lifetime of between 5-10 years. Just like a smoke alarm, remember to test your CO Alarm regularly.
If you’re unsure which carbon monoxide detector to get, you can ask us or the Gas Safe register for advice.
What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of a carbon fuel such as natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained and also occurs if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
CO is deadly and especially dangerous because you can’t see, taste or smell it. Some CO symptoms mimic the effects of viruses and even a bad hangover so it’s important to know the symptoms of CO poisoning.
What are the physical symptoms of CO poisoning?
The symptoms are similar to flu, food poisoning, viral infections, fatigue, and hangovers which makes it easy to mistake this dangerous poisoning for something else.
The 6 main symptoms of CO poisoning are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
Anybody who has overdone it on a night out will be familiar with some or all of those symptoms, but if you experience them without drinking it could be time to be concerned. Being aware of these symptoms could save your life.
There are also other signs that could indicate CO poisoning, such as:
- Symptoms occur when you are at home but disappear when you leave.
- Others in your household are experiencing similar symptoms at a similar time.
It’s important to know the signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your home, to ensure you are not exposed to dangerous levels of CO for an extended period of time.
How does carbon monoxide poisoning occur?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when it builds up in your bloodstream replacing oxygen.
When this happens, blood cannot carry oxygen around your body. This lack of oxygen results in your body’s cells not getting enough oxygen, failing and dying. Small amounts of the gas can cause poisoning, and long-term exposure may result in paralysis, brain damage or even death.
Useful links for Carbon Dioxide Alarms:
- Gas Safety Register
- Landlords Information
- Appliances Check
- Gas Safety Certificate Records
- Gas Safe ID Card
- Gas Safe ID Card Categories
- Gas Safety at Home
- Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
For more information about Heating Plumbing Gas: CLICK HERE
