GAS DETECTION & MONITORING
A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
John Stones, Managing Director of Gas Safe Europe explains how without effective testing, installing gas detection alarms could provide individuals with a false sense of security.
In October 2015 new smoke and carbon monoxide regulations came into effect requiring all private sector landlords to install working and regularly tested smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in all rented properties.
Every year across the UK around 50 people die from accidental CO poisoning. Many of these tragedies are avoidable, firstly by making sure all appliances are properly installed and maintained and then crucially by fitting an audible alarm that will immediately detect and alert in the event of a problem.
Unfortunately, simply installing an alarm is not sufficient to protect family, friends, colleagues or residents if the alarms are not working effectively. The issue with alarms in the UK was highlighted last October when one of the biggest CO alarm manufacturers was required to recall some of their products from the market as they were found to be faulty. This product had been sold widely through distributors, leading supermarkets and DIY retailers.
The issues they were experiencing are seemingly quite common - the Journal of Public Health and Environment reported that an audit of CO alarms at Hackney Homes found only 26.9 % of the 23,000 CO alarms installed were working two years later. The alarms had a seven year warrantee.
The issues are ongoing as only last year we heard from Trading Standards who reported that as many as 80% of alarms they tested did not pass the British Standards test. This is a huge issue as there are currently an estimated 30million CO alarms in the UK.
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These findings are alarming for UK consumers and businesses who rely on these alarms to protect family, friends and employees.
“EVERY YEAR ACROSS THE
UK AROUND 50
PEOPLE DIE FROM ACCIDENTAL CO POISONING.”
In the USA the requirement is that all CO alarms must be tested on installation with a known source of calibrated test gas and at least annually thereafter. Unlike smoke alarms, the only real way to test whether the CO alarm is working is to undertake a sensor inclusive test involving Carbon Monoxide rather than just pressing the test button which simply tests the circuit.
To effectively test CO alarms, GasSafe Europe has developed Detectagas that checks the battery and sensor in alarms by injecting a specific and safe level of test gas into a specially designed transparent cover which is easily fitted over the alarm. Each canister contains 11 tests, which allows alarms to be tested for less than £2 each.
To help highlight alarms that have been tested and passed, or to notify residents if an alarm has failed,
GasSafe Europe has launched Triplicate Test Record Pads to help landlords evidence to local authority officials that their CO and smoke alarms have been tested and are in working order. Landlords not abiding by the regulations to test their alarms face fines of up to £5,000.
For alarms that fail the test, GasSafe Europe has also produced tamper-proof stickers that notify residents if an alarm is found to be faulty to help ensure that they are not used and replaced.
It’s clear that the CO alarm industry is facing a number of challenges, however these can be overcome if landlords and business owners take the time to test their alarms. In doing so they can be provided with peace of mind, rather than a false sense of security.
www.gassafeeurope.com
www.tomorrowshs.com
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