On 23rd November 2021, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced new regulations for public and private properties that use gas boilers and fires. The updated regulations make it mandatory for landlords and housing providers to install carbon monoxide alarms and repair or replace smoke and CO alarms if they are faulty. The regulations took effect from 15th June 2022.
As a company, we want to highlight the importance of gas safety and provide tips on how to keep your home safe throughout the year.
New smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations
According to the updated regulations, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (gas ovens, furnaces, and fireplaces for example) in both rented and private properties.
It is now also mandatory during any installation service to a heating appliance that the engineer has a carbon monoxide alarm present. These new regulations have been created due to the risks surrounding fire and carbon monoxide in all properties.
If you are unsure whether your property complies with the new regulations, you can get a gas safety inspection to ensure your property is safe.
The function of carbon monoxide alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms are in use to detect carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. It is important you have a functioning alarm due to the fact the gas cannot be seen, tasted or smelt by anyone.
Importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In the year ending September 2022, there was a 16% increase in the number of incidents attended by FRSs compared to the previous year, with a total of 620,758 incidents attended.
Additionally, hundreds of people a year die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Office of National Statistics. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, which is why it is so dangerous. It is essential to have functioning alarms in place to detect this gas and prevent potential fatalities.
The government has a duty of care towards the public to ensure their safety in their own homes.
What to do if there is a fault with your carbon monoxide alarm
Identifying a fault or possible carbon monoxide leak can be difficult to distinguish. If you suspect a fault, make sure you open windows, and ventilate the property as soon as possible.
Make sure to turn off all gas-burning appliances and contact an emergency boiler engineer immediately so they can check your boiler and if necessary repair or replace the alarm as soon as possible. You can contact the specialists at G&K to assist with any issues you may have.
Are carbon monoxide alarms mandatory?
The government has a duty of care towards the public to ensure they feel safe in their own home. These measures have been put in placeto allow protection from these deadly situations.
Some individuals and even landlords will choose to not listen to the new regulations surrounding this issue which is why it is against the law should they choose to disregard the government’s advice.
Failure to comply with these regulations enforced by the local authorities can be fined up to £5,000.
Get in contact with us if you have any questions, want us to look at your carbon monoxide alarm or have any other questions regarding gas safety in your home.
01273 457742