Fire & CO Alarms
includes the requirement for CO detection in social and private rented properties with fi xed appliances. This is an area we had campaigned for over a number of years. Future changes to Approved Document J will also require CO alarms to be fi tted when new appliances such as gas boilers or fi res are installed in any home – this includes owner occupied.
It is vital we achieve consistency of CO prevention across the entire UK and upgrading legislation is the only way we can truly achieve this. However, it is our combined responsibility, including Fire and Rescue Services, fuel appliance manufacturers, professional installers and CO detection manufacturers, to ensure we are doing everything we possibly can to improve the standard of CO safety throughout British homes.
SB: Ensuring people have adequate alarms that meet their specifi c requirements is crucial. For the most vulnerable groups in society, what actions should be taken to ensure each individual’s needs are successfully met? CD: NFCC’s person-centred approach to prevention supports Fire and Rescue Services in identifying the potential vulnerabilities of every individual. Working in collaboration with partners, such as Adult Social Care services, Fire Services can support people to get the levels of support, advice and protection they need to ensure they are safe in their homes. Unlike a fi re, which creates its own warning factors, such as an increase in heat and the creation of smoke, CO is completely invisible. It cannot be seen, tasted or smelt, so individuals have no way of knowing if they are at risk of CO poisoning, unless they have a working CO detector.
Individuals such as those living with disabilities or people with socio-economic diffi culties can often be placed at greater risk. A prime example of this is the current increase in energy prices further accelerating fuel poverty throughout the UK. This, combined with latest research identifying many appliances may not have been serviced throughout the pandemic, is placing individuals at real potential risk of CO. That is why it is so important that every aspect of the industry works together to undertake a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to CO that adequately informs all individuals, particularly those most vulnerable, on the potential dangers, whilst actively encouraging the installation of CO alarms. For professional installers who are fi tting, maintaining and servicing appliances, sharing information and advice on the potential sources of CO, the symptoms it creates and the correct places to install a CO alarm to ensure proper detection are extremely important to achieve the highest standard of protection for all individuals. SB: How important do you think interlinked systems are to provide the highest standards of
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“The ability for interlinked alarms to achieve the earliest possible warning of a potential CO event, as all devices sound at the same time, is providing a completely revolutionary approach to both CO and fi re protection.”
CO and fi re protection for all domestic property types and should the rest of the UK be following the guidance of the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard? CD: Many fuel burning appliances, such as boilers, are located in garages or utility rooms that may be quite a distance from frequently occupied rooms, such as bedrooms or living rooms. The ability for interlinked alarms to achieve the earliest possible warning of a potential CO event, as all devices sound at the same time, is providing a completely revolutionary approach to both CO and fi re protection.
However, whilst detection is the fi rst part of protection, information is the second. There have been really exciting developments in detection technology. Some products can facilitate remote monitoring direct access to essential data regarding the potential risk level throughout a property.
SB: Can you share your thoughts on how the industry has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and how this will shape CO and fi re safety measures in the future?
CD: Throughout 2020 and 2021, the Fire and Rescue Services had a responsibility to not only protect their own workforce but to ensure the safety of their communities.
NFCC provided support and guidance to help
fi re services continue to provide support and advice. As with other sectors, fi re did have to adapt to new ways of working and engaging with communities. To achieve this, diff erent techniques were implemented, including telephone and virtual home safety checks. Many individuals may not have realised they were at risk and made assumptions, simply because they don’t realise the potential risks within their home. For example, an appliance such as a boiler may be heating water, but this doesn’t mean it is working as it should and could be emitting CO as a result.
As a result of the pandemic, NFCC recently made available an Online Home Fire Safety check tool which Fire and Rescue Services can in England implement for their communities, if they don’t already have this provision. Underpinned by the person-centred framework, this allows people and partners to undertake a virtual Home Safety Check providing tailored advice to individuals but also identifying the most vulnerable who may then need a home visit. This also frees up resources for community work to identify and help higher risk people.
www.nationalfi
rechiefs.org.uk www.fi reangel.co.uk/connect
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