Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
It is important to fit a CO alarm in your home if you have appliances such as boilers, gas cookers, gas fires and solid fuel burners. Carbon monoxide can occur if an appliance is faulty, or incorrectly fitted and if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked or poorly maintained.
- Fit a CO alarm in any room that has fuel burning appliances, ensuring that the alarm can be heard throughout your home
- They will alert you if CO is present and allow you to escape
- It is important to get your gas appliances tested each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which can make you seriously ill, some of the symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling or being sick
- Being short of breath
- Feeling confused
- Loss of consciousness
If you think you are suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide:
- Open the doors and windows to ventilate the affected room
- Switch off all fuel burning appliances and get them checked/fixed by a registered gas engineer
- Leave the property immediately and get out into the open air
- If you need to, seek medical advice
More information is available on the NHS website – NHS Carbon monoxide poisoning
Landlords and Tenants
Landlords of private residential rental properties in England are required by law to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. coal or wood burning fires and stoves).
Tenants are responsible for testing carbon monoxide alarms regularly during your tenancy, making sure they are working effectively (including arranging replacements with the landlord).
More information is available on Gov.UK – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants
Further information