Despite the absence of specific regulations demanding them, we are seeing a growth in carbon monoxide alarms in homes. Unfortunately, a spate of recent product recalls has highlighted failures which have put occupants at risk. It is now more important than ever for housing providers, electrical contractors and wholesalers to look in depth at the quality credentials of CO alarms.
Official statistics suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for 250 deaths and serious injuries each year, with more cases unrecognised and thousands of instances of milder problems resulting from low dose exposure over time. And the problem isn’t getting any better with new sources of CO being identified, as two recent HSE warnings demonstrated – one about modern condensing-type gas boilers, the other dealing with concealed gas boiler flues. There is no question that CO alarms can save lives – but only if they work effectively throughout their design lives. Over the last few months some CO alarms have had to be recalled when tests revealed that they did not respond to high levels of the gas. In one case, the supplier was also fined for wrongly displaying a BSi ‘Kitemark’ symbol.
So, how can we satisfy ourselves that CO alarms will be effective? Firstly, they should comply with European Standard BS EN 50291:2001and legitimately carry an appropriate European approval mark, such as the BSi Kitemark or BRE/LPCB mark as below.
Ideally should also be CORGI approved and use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time, proven by independent and accredited laboratories. Therefore, a combination of at least 2 of these symbols must be present to specify a European Standard compliant alarm safely.
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