CO Awareness week

Ref: 570/1370

Issued: 28 October 2009

PRESS INFORMATION

CARBON MONOXIDE ACTION

With the start of ‘CO-Awareness Week’ on 16th November, 
proposals for mandatory CO alarms under new 

Building Regulations and campaigning for CO alarms in rented 
properties, carbon monoxide is in the spotlight.

Statistics suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for around 250 deaths and serious injuries each year, with more cases unrecognised and thousands of instances of milder problems resulting from low dose exposure over time. Other research shows that, although in excess of 90% of consumers have a smoke alarm in their homes, only around 30% have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Modern CO alarms come in all shapes and sizes.  For new buildings and major refurbishment or upgrade, the latest Kidde Fyrnetics mains powered CO alarms are ideal, with sealed-in, rechargeable lithium cells for back-up, preventing tenant access. They can be interlinked and also used as part of Kidde’s unique ‘Smart Interconnect’ system for whole-house fire and CO protection, in conjunction with the company’s hard-wired smoke and heat alarms. Where hard-wiring is not viable, battery powered units are also available, as well as plug-in mains CO alarms for transferable protection.

There is no question that CO alarms can save lives – but only if they work effectively throughout their design lives. They should comply with European Standard BS EN 50291:2001 and legitimately carry an appropriate European approval mark, such as the BSi Kitemark. They should also be CORGI approved and use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time, proven by independent and accredited laboratories. Frequent air sampling is also important – preferably every 15 or 30 seconds rather than the 80 second intervals of some products.

Manufacturers that produce their own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, can apply tighter quality controls. Every Kidde Fyrnetics sensor is tested under CO and all products must pass through several key quality testing ‘gates’ before becoming available for sale.  Additionally, safer and greener ionised water is preferred over acid-based electrolytes that suffer variations in electrolytic concentrations. From a wider perspective, the size, expertise and resources of the manufacturer should provide reassurance of consistent product quality and reliability. Kidde Fyrnetics is part of the world’s largest manufacturer of CO, smoke and heat alarms.

At last it is being recognized that CO problems can affect new homes as well as older ones. For example, following the death of a young woman in Middlesex in one of its homes, and the prosecution of the CORGI registered gas installer, house-builder Barratt now fits CO alarms as a matter of course. There are also concerns about modern condensing-type gas boilers which – the HSE reports - have featured in at least seven CO incidents over the last three years, including four deaths.

At first site, recently published proposals for changes to the Building Regulations, Part J Approved Document seem to be addressing these issues with a new requirement for CO alarms. Unfortunately, as drafted they will only apply to new or replacement solid fuel appliances, not gas. There is a convincing case to require CO alarms in all new homes, irrespective of fuel types, as carbon monoxide can result from a wide range of – often unpredictable – circumstances. And the same is true of existing homes, with rented properties a particular concern. The ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign is pressing for measures so that, in order to receive a mandatory gas safety certificate, landlords must provide tenants with a CO alarm.

The latest information on carbon monoxide poisoning and CO alarms is available via www.smoke-alarms.co.uk.

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