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Everything you need to know about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm standards, regulations and legislation

Compliance

14 August 2024

In the UK, ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022.

These rules mandate that all social and private rented properties must be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that meet British Standards, marking a pivotal step in enhancing fire and carbon monoxide safety. Read on to hear about the importance of these regulations, the standards they reference, and the broader context of housing safety in light of recent regulatory findings.

New legislation creates a lifeline for tenants

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022 establish stringent requirements for landlords to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties. While the regulations stipulate compliance with British Standards, they do not prescribe specific types of alarms, leaving it to landlords to choose between mains-powered or battery-powered units.

Under these regulations, alarms must meet the following standards:

  • BS EN 14604:2005 Smoke alarm devices
  • BS EN 50291-1:2018: Gas detectors. Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – Test methods and performance requirements
  • BS 5446-2:2003: Fire detection and fire alarm devices for dwellings – Specification for heat alarms

Installers should always look for evidence of third-party certification to the appropriate standards, whilst this is mandatory for smoke alarms installers should take care to ensure that Carbon Monoxide and heat alarms carry third party certification to the required standards. In doing so installers will know they are fitting robust alarms which have undertaken a rigorous approval process and that are subject to periodic ongoing surveillance by the certification body.

For installation guidance for Carbon Monoxide, Smoke and heat alarms installers should refer to:

  • BS5839-6:2019 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises
  • EN 50292:2023 – Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises, caravans and boats. Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance

Additionally, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 makes sure that rented properties are safe and healthy, covering aspects of fire and carbon monoxide safety. Landlords who fail to comply with these requirements could face legal action.

pdf icons of legislation overlayed on someone working

The role of British standards

The British Standards provide detailed guidelines for the installation and maintenance of fire and carbon monoxide alarms in residential properties. Key among these is BS 5839-6 which is a professional document outlining different grades and categories of fire alarm systems based on property type and tenure. For rental properties, the standard specifies installation to Grade D1 and Category LD2, ensuring a robust level of protection.

Another crucial standard, BS EN 50292:2013, outlines regulations for combustion appliances (such as space heaters, ovens and water heaters) and fuel storage systems, which are referenced in Building Regulations to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place.

Building Regulations and Compliance

Building Regulations further reinforce these safety measures:

  • Approved Document B references BS 5839-6 for fire safety.
  • Approved Document J references BS EN 50292 for carbon monoxide safety.

To ensure compliance, it is essential that installers are competent, having undergone relevant training and possessing the necessary experience and tools. Our team of trade experts can provide training to ensure you are up to date with the latest regulations. Get in touch today.

construction workers looking at carbon monoxide legislation on a laptop

Why these alarms matter

The human cost of inadequate fire and carbon monoxide safety cannot be overstated. A survey by Firechief Global revealed that 17% of tenants, equating to over two million people, live in homes without smoke alarms. This number is even higher in regions like Greater London (24%) and Northern Ireland (22%). The government’s ‘Fire Kills’ campaign starkly warns that individuals are ten times more likely to die in a fire if their home lacks a working smoke alarm.

Carbon monoxide is another silent killer. Statistics show that around 40 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning annually in England and Wales, with many more suffering serious injuries.

The next step for landlords and installers

For landlords and installers, understanding and adhering to the new regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty to ensure the safety of tenants. By following the requirements of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022 and adhering to British Standards, landlords can significantly enhance the safety of their properties.

By installing compliant alarms, you are contributing to a safer living environment for millions of renters across the UK, potentially saving countless lives.

The journey towards safer homes is ongoing, and while these regulations mark significant progress, continued vigilance and commitment are essential to protect all tenants from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Get in contact with our expert team to discuss how we can tailor our solutions for your project requirements or read more about our range by downloading the latest copy of our Trade Selector today.

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