We’re all aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, but an annual campaign brings this to the forefront every year to raise awareness and share potentially life-saving advice.
This year’s CO Awareness Week runs between the 21st - 27th November, with 2022’s theme spotlighting the ways in which people can stay carbon monoxide safe at home.
CO Awareness Week is a joint effort between HETAS, The All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG) and Woodsure. It raises awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and vital safety measures that people must take.
What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be detected by humans. Common household appliances such as cookers, boilers, stoves and fireplaces can all produce carbon monoxide.
This year’s CO Awareness Week focuses on three key themes:
1. The new rules for carbon monoxide alarms
2. The simple steps you can take to stay safe at home
3. Where to find household support
Tips for staying CO safe at home
The CO Alarms Saves Lives website shares potentially life-saving advice for staying safe at home.
This includes never using outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside. Using these appliances indoors could be potentially fatal due to the lack of ventilation.
Other guidance includes always using a qualified professional to install and maintain appliances, ensuring appliances are serviced every year and always burning the right fuels.
When seeking a professional to install or service a gas appliance, you should always check that the engineer is a member of the Gas Safe Register.
Ventilation is a crucial factor and it’s essential that you never block vents in the home. You can find advice for ventilating a building here.
Rules for landlords
Landlords have a duty of care to make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed where required in their rental property.
In England, all homes where there is a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
In Scotland, all homes are required to have a carbon monoxide alarm with fuel burning appliances, except appliances used solely for cooking.
In Wales, all homes where there is any gas appliance, oil-fired combustion appliance or solid fuel burning appliance must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
See the latest rules for landlords here.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety at home, visit the CO Alarms Saves Lives website.