Birmingham
Boiler Repairs
Birmingham Boiler Repairs
Carbon Monoxide Questions
Critical safety information about carbon monoxide alarms, poisoning prevention, and legal requirements. Protecting lives through education and compliance.
EMERGENCY: If your CO alarm is sounding, evacuate immediately and call the Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
Mandatory in rental properties
Distance from gas appliances
Penalty for non-compliance
Silent killer detection
Early Symptoms:
- • Headache and dizziness
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Tiredness and confusion
- • Stomach pain
- • Shortness of breath
Severe Symptoms:
- • Difficulty breathing
- • Chest pain
- • Loss of consciousness
- • Seizures
- • Coma
If you suspect CO poisoning: Get fresh air immediately, call 999, and seek medical attention. Tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide Questions & Answers
Essential information for safety, compliance, and prevention
When was it compulsory to need a carbon monoxide alarm for a rented property?
1st October 2022. This is when the updated regulations came into effect requiring CO alarms in rental properties.
Where shall I install the CO alarm?
1-3 meters of a gas appliance (except cookers and hobs) at head height level where possible.
Can I be fined if I don't have a CO alarm?
Yes up to £5000. Local authorities can impose significant penalties for non-compliance.
Can a gas inspection (CP12) fail if there isn't a CO alarm?
Yes. However if you're having a gas inspection to sell your house you won't legally need one. As you aren't renting to tenants.
What if I can't see the expiry date?
Best practice is to assume it's expired and replace it immediately. Most CO alarms last 7-10 years.
Can I put a CO alarm on top of my boiler?
No. It must be fitted at head height if possible. 1-3m away from the boiler on a shelf or fixed to a wall.
Do I need a CO alarm if I'm a homeowner?
No law mandates CO alarms for homeowners. However it is recommended for safety.
Do I need to fit a CO alarm if fitting or replacing a new boiler?
Yes for private homeowners and landlords. This would be fitted by the gas safe installer at the time of installation.
Who is responsible for the CO alarm and testing?
The landlord is responsible to ensure it's fitted and working correctly. The gas engineer will test this once a year along the gas inspection. The tenant should test the alarm at regular intervals, usually once a week and report any faults to the landlord.
Can I fit a CO alarm in the bathroom if the boiler is there?
This is a bit of a grey area. But technically no due to steam. But can be fitted close to the bathroom.
Do I need a CO alarm for a gas cooker or a gas hob?
No. It's not a legal requirement, a CO alarm isn't required for them solely. If a boiler is in the same room then a CO alarm will be fitted more closely to the boiler.
What do I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
Stay calm. Ventilate the property by opening doors or windows. If it's safe to do so turn the gas appliances off. Shut off the gas. Vacate the property. Contact a local gas safe engineer to find out the cause of why the alarm is going off. Get medical help if you are suffering from side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless, non-irritating gas produced as a by-product during incomplete combustion of fuels due to there being insufficient oxygen present. Complete combustion occurs when sufficient oxygen is present and leads to the production of carbon dioxide. Most combustion processes (natural or man-made) produce some carbon monoxide.
What are the side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?
When breathed in, carbon monoxide enters the blood through the lungs and attaches to the body's oxygen carrier, haemoglobin. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried round the body. A brief exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide may cause headache, flushing, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, muscle pain or personality changes. Exposure to higher amounts may cause movement problems, weakness, confusion, lung and heart problems, loss of consciousness and death. Exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide for a long time may lead to flu like symptoms with tiredness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, personality changes, memory problems, loss of vision and dementia. It can be hard to tell the difference between the effects of being exposed to carbon monoxide at low levels for a long time and other common illnesses.
How can I prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide?
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a gas appliance that burns fossil fuels. Regularly service your gas appliances. Check to see if the CO alarm works periodically (weekly) by pressing the button until the alarm sounds.
CO Alarm Installation Guide
- 1-3 meters from gas appliances (not cookers/hobs)
- Head height where possible (1.5-2 meters)
- Wall-mounted or on a shelf
- Away from windows and doors (avoid drafts)
- Test weekly by pressing the test button
- Directly on top of boilers or appliances
- Bathrooms (due to steam and humidity)
- Near cookers or hobs (not required by law)
- Confined spaces with poor air circulation
- Areas with excessive heat or vibration
Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide
Our Gas Safe engineers test CO alarms and provide safety advice during every inspection