The cause of deaths from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning usually relate to incorrect installation, lack of maintenance or inadequate air supply for the appliance to
How to Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide
Fit an Audible CO Alarm
function properly.
Using an appliance that is poorly maintained, incorrectly installed or using poor quality fuel will significantly increase the risk of the appliance producing carbon monoxide.
● Only use appliances that fully comply with current British Standards
● Have your appliances installed by a registered competent installer. Installers will ensure that work carried out complies with current Building Regulations.
● Have your appliance regularly maintained by a HETAS Registered Installer. Faulty appliances can lead to poor combustion which produces CO.
● Burn the correct fuel for the appliance.
● De-ash the appliance as per manufacturers instructions.
● If the appliance burns wood, make sure the wood is seasoned and dry. Unseasoned wet wood suppresses combustion yet produces products of combustion which contain CO.
If possible, use HETAS Certified wood fuel, which guarantees a low moisture content.
● Make sure your chimney is swept at frequent intervals. Use a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep. A blocked or restricted chimney will reduce flue
performance, increasing the chances of the appliance spilling CO and other fumes into the property.
● Make sure the appliance is set-up with sufficient combustion air to burn cleanly. Appliances with an incorrect fuel air mix can increase the rate of CO production.
● Make sure there is enough fresh air in the room where the appliance is installed. Some appliances require a fresh air vent in the room where they are located. This is a permanently open vent to external air that must remain unblocked.
● Avoid slumbering your appliance unless the appliance has been tested to do so.
● A responsible landlord should provide proof that a solid fuel appliance has been serviced and the chimney recently swept before the start of a tenancy. Thereafter, the ongoing maintenance of appliance and chimney is subject to contractual conditions detailing responsibilities.
● Carry out the user maintenance schedule as per the appliance ‘installation and use’ instructions.
Building Regulations Approved Document J now makes it compulsory in England & Wales, to fit a CO alarm complying with BS EN 50291 whenever a new or replacement solid fuel appliance is fitted in a dwelling.
The alarm must be permanently installed, be either mains or battery powered, and should incorporate self- test and audible alert if the battery or detector cell develops a fault.
HETAS recommend that a CO alarm is installed to existing installations by a registered installer, ensuring that the alarm is selected and fitted in accord- ance with the Building Regulations.
No safety device is infallible and should never be taken as a substitute for correct appliance installation, or for regular and effective chimney sweeping, correct appliance operation and maintenance by a Registered Installer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.