October 2010 Building Reg changes represent Sales Opportunities

The new Building Regulations Part J, coming into force from October, will require a carbon monoxide alarm wherever a new or replacement solid fuel heating appliance is installed. Demand is also expected to grow with on-going campaigns requiring CO alarms in all homes irrespective of fuel types. There is no question that CO alarms save lives – but only if they work effectively. Wholesalers should beware of unapproved alarms that could fail to warn occupiers of this deadly threat.

On its new gas safety web site, the Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends: “audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms….that comply with British Standard EN 50291 and carry a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark.” This third party approval is essential – just a CE mark is not enough – to demonstrate consistent performance, so ensuring occupant safety and avoiding the legal implications of supplying or fitting unapproved alarms.

Under Part J, CO alarms can be either mains hard-wired, installed by qualified electricians under Part P, or battery powered. As the world’s leading manufacturers of CO, smoke and heat alarms, Kidde Fyrnetics has a range for every situation with the product quality to match. All Kidde Fyrnetics CO alarms are BSi Kitemarked and use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time, proven by independent and accredited laboratories.

Kidde manufactures its own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, allowing tighter quality controls to be applied. For example, every Kidde sensor is tested under CO itself in the factory and all products must pass through several key quality testing ‘gates’ before becoming available for sale. This consistent quality and performance provides reassurance for stockists and installers, as well as their customers.