Detection of Carbon Monoxide
There must be installed a CO alarm which meets the
requirements of BS EN 50291:2001 in the same room as any gas appliance.
Alarms should be powered by a battery designed to operate for the working life
of the alarm. Such alarms should incorporate a warning device to alert users
when the working life is due to pass. This type of alarm is easier to
change when the working life has expired as it does not require a
specialist electrician.
4.5.8 HSE has
undertaken research into the long term reliability and use of carbon monoxide
alarms, available via the link that follows:
4.5.9 This
research indicated that the sensors within CO alarms which detect carbon
monoxide have a lifetime of between 5 - 7 years. This may mean that
a resident has a CO alarm in place, but it is beyond its lifetime and
therefore may not be providing the level of protection that the resident
may think they have.
4.5.10 The
research report also found that on occasion carbon monoxide alarms, although
fitted in the same room as a gas appliance, were not fitted in the correct
location to detect carbon monoxide. Guidance on the installation of carbon
monoxide alarms is available in BS EN 50292:2002 and in the manufacturers’
instructions.
4.5.11 The
CO alarm must therefore be fitted in the correct location and not have passed,
or be shortly about to pass, beyond its lifetime. Where the CO alarm is likely
to pass beyond its lifetime during the licence period, it is strongly suggested
that authorities consider including a licence condition to the effect that the
alarm must be replaced within a specified timescale.
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