Supporting Carbon Monoxide awareness week: APPCOG

This annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and highlight new regulations requiring CO alarms in homes across the UK. With the colder months upon us and many households facing the pressures of rising energy costs, understanding the dangers of CO is more important than ever. 

The hidden dangers of Carbon Monoxide 

Often called the “Silent Killer”, carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that’s produced when fuel doesn’t burn properly in appliances like boilers, log burners, cookers, or open fires. Exposure to CO can cause a range of serious health issues, from brain damage to heart disease, and even death. Alarmingly, many people may be unaware they’re being poisoned, as CO cannot be detected by the human senses. 

Every year, around 50 people die from CO poisoning, and thousands more end up in A&E. However, the risk can be easily avoided with a bit of lifesaving knowledge and proper protection. 

Protecting your home: the importance of CO alarms 

The only way to stay protected against carbon monoxide is to install a reliable, audible CO alarm. These alarms act as your first line of defense, alerting you to dangerous CO levels before harm can occur. 

With the cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel poverty, more people are trying to cut down on heating and cooking costs, leading to the increased use of risky appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This makes the need for CO alarms even more critical. 

Key Carbon Monoxide safety tips 

Here’s how to stay safe from carbon monoxide this winter: 

1. Service appliances regularly 

Ensure all fuel-burning appliances like boilers and fires are serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Faulty appliances are a leading cause of CO poisoning. 

1. Install audible CO alarms 

Place CO alarms in all rooms with fuel-burning appliances, including living rooms and bedrooms. Remember, an audible alarm is the only way to detect CO and protect your family. 

1. Stay informed about new regulations 

Governments across the UK have introduced stricter rules for CO alarms: 

1. In England, landlords must provide CO alarms in all rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Failure to comply can lead to a £5,000 fine. 

1. In Wales, from December 1st, landlords must ensure every room with a fuel-burning appliance has a CO alarm. Homes without these alarms will be deemed unfit for habitation. 

1. In Scotland, since February 2022, CO alarms are mandatory in all homes with fuel-burning appliances (except those solely for cooking). 

Julia Buckley, Labour MP for Shropshire, shares her personal experience with the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning: 

“I lost a close friend, Irene, due to a faulty boiler. She had returned home from university for Christmas, but the family’s cottage boiler hadn’t been serviced in years. In the night, while everyone slept, the boiler leaked carbon monoxide… and Irene tragically died in her sleep.” 

Shocking statistics from heating engineers: 

• 69% report more households delaying gas services due to rising costs, leaving families vulnerable to CO poisoning. 

• 38% frequently encounter dangerously faulty boilers, cookers, and fires that need urgent repairs, but homeowners can’t afford to fix them. 

• 45% of engineers have seen a significant rise in hazardous appliances since the cost-of-living crisis began. 

Now, more than ever, it’s vital to spread awareness and protect our communities. By joining in with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, you can help educate others on the dangers of CO poisoning and the importance of having an alarm. 

For more information, visit the APPCOG Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week website, or explore FireAngel’s range of trusted and certified CO alarms to keep your home and family safe this winter.