PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 GasSafety


Safe homes start with switched on engineers


Heating engineers are often the frontline defence against CO poisoning in homes. This makes it essential to understand the latest legal requirements, install the correct alarms and provide customers with clear, practical advice. Stewart Clements from the HHIC outlines the current rules and best practices.


C


arbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas, making it impossible to detect without an alarm. It


is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like gas, coal, wood or oil, often due to poor ventilation or blocked fl ues, and can also occur if appliances are incorrectly fi tted or poorly maintained. Even low- level exposure can have serious health implications and, in some cases, can be fatal. While CO poisoning incidents


are rare, regular servicing and maintenance remain the primary way to keep appliances safe. Legislation adds an additional layer of safety by requiring the installation of CO alarms. CO alarms provide a warning if CO levels rise, giving residents time to respond, but alarms should complement, not replace, annual servicing carried out by qualifi ed heating engineers. While the dangers of carbon


monoxide are universal, the legislation governing CO alarm requirements diff ers across the UK’s devolved nations.


England From October 2022, under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations,


landlords must


install CO alarms in any room containing a fi xed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) used as living accommodation. Alarms must be tested at the


start of a new tenancy, and landlords are required to replace faulty alarms when informed. Installation guidance aligns with Building Regulations Approved Document J and Circular 03/2022.


Wales Wales has introduced stricter measures under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2022, requiring CO alarms in: • Any room with a fi xed


combustion appliance, including cookers. • Bedrooms and living rooms


where a fl ue passes through. • Attached spaces like


Stewart Clements Director at the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC)


garages and lofts containing appliances. Alarms must meet EN 50291-


1:2018, and battery-operated alarms must feature end-of-life warnings.


While the dangers of carbon


monoxide are universal, the legislation


governing CO alarm requirements differs across the UK’s devolved nations


Scotland In Scotland, CO alarms are required in any room where a new or replacement fi xed combustion appliance (excluding cookers) is installed, as well as in bedrooms or living rooms if a fl ue runs


through them. Legislation


falls under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) and the Building Standards Technical Handbook.


Northern Ireland Regulations in Northern Ireland require CO alarms in rooms where a new or replacement combustion appliance is fi tted (excluding those solely for cooking). If the appliance is located in a non-habitable space, such as a boiler room, the alarm should be installed just outside where it can be heard clearly. Guidance is set out in Technical Booklets E and L, with additional detail in the Private Tenancies Act 2022 and HSENi guidance.


Standards & options Across the UK, CO alarms must comply with EN 50291- 1:2018. • Mains-powered (Type


A) alarms are ideal for properties with vulnerable


or disabled residents, as they feature fault warnings and can trigger remote alerts. • Battery-powered alarms


are accepted nationwide, provided they meet the required standards and have long-life batteries. In Wales, they must include end-of-life alerts. Interlinked CO alarms are


not mandatory (unlike smoke alarms) but may be benefi cial in larger or complex properties.


Best installation While each nation’s regulations vary, the general guidance for positioning CO alarms includes: • Install alarms in the


same room as the combustion appliance • Position 1 to 3m horizontally


from the appliance • On ceilings, keep alarms at


least 300mm from walls • On walls, place alarms


above door/window height and at least 150mm below the ceiling Avoid placing alarms behind


furniture or curtains, near ventilation points or extractor fans or in damp or excessively hot/cold areas. Where appliances are in confi ned spaces, alarms may be located just outside the area if necessary.


Engineers’ role Correct installation, routine maintenance, and regular servicing of appliances remain the fi rst


line of protection against the risk of CO. During service visits, heating engineers can add value by advising customers to: • Test alarms monthly using


the test button • Check expiry dates and


replace alarms as needed • Schedule annual servicing


for all combustion appliances • Ensure vents and fl ues


remain unblocked • Be alert to potential CO


exposure symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea.


Selecting the best alarm When fi tting CO alarms, engineers should look for the CE mark and EN 50291 certifi cation. Alarms with loud, audible alerts are preferable to those with colour-change indicators. Check they have long-life batteries or mains power with backup. Some alarms have digital displays for monitoring CO levels. It is also advisable to have a portable alarm that can be used in caravans and tents, boats or when travelling to apartments or hotels.


Landlord responsibility In all UK nations, landlords are responsible for providing CO alarms, ensuring they are operational at the start of tenancies, and replacing or repairing alarms when notifi ed of faults. Tenants should regularly test alarms and report issues, but heating engineers can play a key role in verifying compliance during service visits.


And fi nally... While installing CO alarms is a vital safety measure, it does not replace the need for annual servicing to maintain appliance safety and effi ciency. By staying informed about the latest CO alarm legislation, heating engineers can continue to protect households while off ering their customers the reassurance of expert, compliant advice. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/73


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