Roofer jailed for manslaughter in Peterborough

CO AWARENESS DEMANDED THROUGHOUT CONSTRUCTION

A series of recent tragedies reinforces the need for the whole construction industry – not just heating engineers – to become familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). The absence of CO alarms in all homes continues to leave occupiers at risk from poisoning resulting from a bewildering range of circumstances.

Carbon monoxide poisoning continues to cause at least 50 deaths and 200 serious injuries each year, although this could be just the tip of the iceberg with the difficulties of diagnosing the condition. CO is odourless and colourless and can be produced by any fuel burning appliances. So, it is tempting to think that this is just the province of heating and plumbing engineers.

But in May this year, a roofer was jailed for manslaughter after causing the death of a homeowner. A two-week trial heard his work was "grossly negligent", as he allowed old debris and fresh mortar to fall down a chimney he was repairing. This blocked the chimney at the point where a flue pipe from the home's gas boiler ran into it, preventing carbon monoxide produced by the appliance from escaping safely upwards into the air. A joint investigation by the HSE and Cambridgeshire Constabulary found that as soon as the boiler was switched on, high levels of the deadly gas were produced. Tests showed that it was producing fatal levels two minutes after being switched on and that it took just seven minutes for the CO to reach the upstairs bedroom, where the occupant was sleeping.

In addition to the manslaughter charge, the roofer was also accused of breaching section 3(2) of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act for failing, as a self-employed person, to ensure that the health and safety of non-employees were not affected by his activities. Following the case the HSE again recommended the use of audible CO alarms as a back-up precaution, although not as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances by CORGI-registered personnel.

The actions of anyone working in construction might have an impact on CO generation. In another instance, defective electrical work to a night-storage heater resulted in CO being given off at high temperatures. The Health and Safety Executive has also raised concerns about several incidents involving the latest, high-efficiency condensing boilers. And just a few months ago, another young woman died in a brand new home from a national house-builder, resulting in a petition being set up on the Downing Street website calling for CO alarms in all new and social housing. Gerald Jones of leading CO alarm manufacturer commented: ‘While nothing can replace an effective heating maintenance programme, the presence of a CO alarm to alert occupiers of the danger is a cost-effective means to prevent the wide range of tragedies such as these. There is a compelling case for them to be required under the Building Regulations and a growing number of American States already demand CO alarms in all housing, new or old. But in the meantime, I urge all those working in construction to stay aware of carbon monoxide.’

The latest information on carbon monoxide poisoning and CO alarms is available in an updated brochure available free of charge via
www.smoke-alarms.co.uk using the ‘Contact Us’ link.

6/2008