UK holidaymakers must take carbon monoxide safety seriously – RoSPA and Wales & West Utilities

UK holidaymakers are at grave of carbon monoxide poisoning because only five per cent take a carbon monoxide alarm away with them, according to new research from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Wales & West Utilities.

The duo polled over 2000 people on their approach to carbon monoxide safety while holidaying in the UK or abroad and found that most do not take an alarm away with them (five per cent). Seven in ten UK adult respondents will read information provided by hosts in accommodation but just 20 per cent will check for an actual carbon monoxide alarm and 60 per cent would know what to do if one sounded on holiday.

Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is an odourless, colourless gas that can be lethal when undetected. This invisible threat poses a significant risk to individuals during their leisure trips, particularly if holiday makers do not know the carbon monoxide safety protocol in place where they are staying.

These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and precautionary measures among holidaymakers. The lack of carbon monoxide alarms and equipment checks amplifies the potential for tragic incidents, as individuals unwittingly expose themselves and their loved ones to the silent killer.

In 2023, the number of domestic holiday rental property stays taken by UK residents increased by over one per cent and continues to show no sign of slowing down.[1]

To keep safe from carbon monoxide while on holiday, RoSPA and Wales & West recommend:

Carry a carbon monoxide alarm: Ensure that you pack a portable carbon monoxide alarm in your holiday essentials. This simple device can be a lifesaver, providing an early warning in case of carbon monoxide presence
Regular equipment checks: Prioritise safety by having your camping or caravanning equipment thoroughly checked before embarking on your holiday. A quick inspection can help identify potential hazards and prevent carbon monoxide leaks
Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early detection is crucial for prompt action and can make the difference between life and death
Ventilation matters: When using heating or cooking appliances inside enclosed spaces, ensure proper ventilation to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide buildup
Emergency preparedness: Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures in case of a suspected carbon monoxide leak. Know how to ventilate the area, seek medical attention, and evacuate if necessary.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor, said:

“Holidays offer the perfect way to enjoy some time away and we urge all travellers to enjoy their time away safe in the knowledge that they are protected from the risks of carbon monoxide.

“While any holiday home that burns solid fuel should be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm detector, we know this is not always the case. We therefore urge all holiday makers to take a functioning carbon monoxide alarm detector away with them for the ultimate safety net.”

Clive Book, Head of Operations at Wales & West Utilities said:

“When you’re planning a holiday, carbon monoxide risk analysis possibly won’t play a part in your planning, but it should. If you can, visit the carbon monoxide safety hub to help keep yourself and loved ones safe.”

What does the law say about who is responsible for carbon monoxide alarms?

England

Since October 1, 2022, new regulations required carbon monoxide alarms in all rented and new build properties with fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers). If a fixed combustion appliance is installed, landlords in both private and social sectors must repair or replace faulty alarms when notified.

Wales

Since December 1, 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, under Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) regulations, mandates landlords to ensure working CO alarms are fitted in all properties with gas, oil-fired, or solid fuel-burning appliances.

Wales (and England) are also subject to adhering Building Regulations Document J – England and Wales, which states that any new or replacement solid-fuel appliances in England and Wales require a BS EN 50291 Kitemarked Carbon Monoxide alarm. These alarms should be fitted in the same room as the appliance and can be mains or battery powered.

Scotland

Since February 1, 2022, all homes, whether rented or owned, must have a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance or a flue (excluding cooking appliances). If you’re renting, your landlord is responsible for providing the alarm. The alarms must meet British Standards (EN 50291-1) and have a sealed battery for tamper-proof security.

Ensure a smoke alarm on each floor with living accommodation, a requirement since 2015
Equip a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, such as boilers (excluding gas cookers)
Promptly repair or replace faulty smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Local authorities can impose fines for non-compliance.
Northern Ireland

Since October 31, 2012, all homes in Northern Ireland with new fossil fuel appliances must have CO alarms, following changes to The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. Additionally, the recent Private Tenancies Act, effective April 27, 2022, requires landlords in Northern Ireland to install and repair carbon monoxide alarms in privately rented homes.

Holiday Rentals

Regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in holiday rentals vary by country. In England, landlords must equip alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, and non-compliance can result in fines imposed by local authorities. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £5,000. Always check your holiday accommodation for a carbon monoxide alarm.

In Scotland, the Tolerable Standard, enacted this year, mandates carbon monoxide alarms in all homes.

In Wales, Fitness for Human Habitation Regulations requires landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with gas, oil, or solid fuel-burning appliances.

What type of carbon monoxide alarm is recommended? Like smoke alarms, these should be chosen based on your or your building’s needs, as well as complying with British Standards BS 50291. Our advice? Opt for sealed battery alarms

Where should alarms be strategically located? A carbon monoxide alarm should be placed in every room with a fixed combustion appliance. If this isn’t the case, contact your landlord

Is battery replacement considered a repair, and who handles it? Landlords are tasked with repairs. During tenancy, tenants manage battery replacements, while landlords address faulty alarms

How should tenants conduct alarm testing? Testing is straightforward; follow manufacturer instructions. Landlords can provide demonstrations or written instructions to tenants

What steps should tenants take if alarms aren’t functioning? Tenants replace batteries, and persistent issues should be reported to the landlord

Have your gas appliances been serviced this year? Your landlord should arrange for a gas engineer on the Gas Safe Register to complete this. Also, your landlord should only consult with professionals when hired to annually service any other fossil-fuel burning appliances, such as oil or coal burning stoves.