Prevention

  • Remember that CO is poisonous and harmful - early detection is vital
  • Fit an audible CO alarm
  • Every year have the heating system, (boilers, gas fires) vents, chimney and flue inspected by a CORGI-registered installer
  • Make sure you familiarise yourself with the symptoms and are aware of the signs of CO around the house
  • Know what to do and who to call if you suspect CO
  • Make sure rooms and heaters are well ventilated
  • Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust and stains
  • Only purchase appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognised testing laboratory
  • Never use a gas oven/stove to heat the home
  • Never leave your car idling in a closed garage or use fuel-powered appliances or tools like generators in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches. Carbon monoxide can seep into your home through vents and doors
  • Landlords are legally required to ensure that an annual check of all appliances is carried out.  They are required to show you the certificate
  • You could be entitled to a free safety check if you are over 60, chronically sick, disabled, deaf or hearing-impaired, blind or visual impaired
  • If the home only has one alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area
  • For maximum safety an alarm should be fitted on every level of the home and in sleeping areas
  • Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances
  • Make sure nothing is covering or obstructing the unit
  • Do not place the unit in dead air spaces or next to a window or door
  • Test the CO alarm once a month by pressing the test/reset button
  • Unplug the unit and vacuum with soft brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust monthly

Choosing a CO detector

There are namely two types of CO detectors, an audible alarm and a patch (or spot/blob).

Audible alarm:

  • Audible alarms are similar to smoke alarms in appearance, but monitor for dangerous levels of CO
  • When CO is detected, it will sound immediately alerting the inhabitant to the gas. Alarms that sound at 85 decibels are designed to wake you when you sleep i.e. when you are at your most vulnerable
  • Purchase CO alarms which are certified and approved to the latest European Standards (EN50291) and carry a British Standards Kitemark
  • Some CO alarms have sensors that last up to 7 years and have a 5 year manufacturers warranty
  • Alarms with 'peak level memory’ will inform you if CO was detected – even while you were not at home to hear the alarm
  • Audible alarms start at around £20.

CO Patch:

  • CO patches are adhesive coloured patches that stick to the wall and change colour when CO is present
  • CO patches are NOT approved by British Standards
  • Most patches have a life-time of 3 – 6 months, so regular checking and replacements are required
  • Patches can be purchased for around £5, however due to their limited life-time, a typical patch works out over 50% more expensive than an audible CO alarm

The Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) recommends: "when purchasing a CO alarm that you always purchase from a reputable manufacturer such as Kidde, and that the alarm has been tested and certified by an independent internationally recognised body."

CoGDEM does not recommend non-audible alarms such as visual indicators (patches), as these require constant monitoring and will not wake you or alert you in the case of an emergency. There is no relevant standard for these patches to be tested to and consistency of detection varies greatly.