KERBING THE SILENT KILLER

 

“It’s time for house builders to start fitting CO alarms as a matter of course” says Kidde Fyrnetics’ Gerald Jones.

 

Officially, carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for 250 deaths and serious injuries every year. But more cases remain unrecognised and thousands of milder problems result from low dose exposure over time. And the problem isn’t getting any better, as new sources of CO are being identified in homes – both old and new. We desperately need Building Regulations to mirror the current requirement for smoke and heat alarms with an audible hard-wired CO alarm to be fitted in all new-build homes, as increasingly is happening in North America.

Currently there is no legislation in Europe at all.

 

NEW HOMES RISKS

It’s tempting to think of CO only in relation to older, rented property, but new homes are affected as well. Following the death of a young woman in Middlesex in one of its homes, and the prosecution of the CORGI registered gas installer, house-builder Barratt now fits CO alarms as a matter of course. There are also concerns about modern condensing-type gas boilers which – the HSE reports - have featured in at least seven CO incidents over the last three years, including four deaths. The HSE has issued another safety alert about gas boiler flues concealed in ceiling voids, most commonly found in multi-storey flats and apartments built since 2000.

 

Construction firms are also being warned by HSE to check flue safety after roofing work. Clearly, the actions of anyone working in construction might have an impact on CO generation with lethal consequences. The presence of a CO alarm to alert occupiers of the danger is a cost-effective means to prevent the wide range of dangers such as these. There is a compelling case for them to be required under the Building Regulations and a growing number of American States already demand CO alarms in all housing, new or old. But if government continues not to act, house builders should follow Barratt’s example by fitting CO alarms now, as a matter of course. This simple measure will add no significant cost as part of new wiring and provides developers with the reassurance that they have taken positive steps to avoid death and injury from CO events.

 

ENSURING RELIABILITY

However, there are other worries for house builders about the reliability of some CO alarms, with certain models being recalled after failed testing. So, how can we satisfy ourselves that CO alarms will be effective?  Firstly, they should comply with European Standard BS EN 50291:2001 and legitimately carry an appropriate European approval mark, such as the BSi Kitemark – ask for documentation if there is any doubt. They should also be CORGI approved and use electrochemical technology with a stable performance over time, proven by independent and accredited laboratories. Frequent air sampling is also important – preferably every 15 seconds rather than the 80 second intervals of most products.

 

Manufacturers that produce their own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, can apply tighter quality controls. For example, every Kidde Fyrnetics sensor is tested under CO and all products must pass through several key quality testing ‘gates’ before becoming available for sale.  Additionally, safer and greener ionised water is preferred over acid-based electrolytes that suffer variations in electrolytic concentrations. From a wider perspective, the size, expertise and resources of the manufacturer should provide reassurance of consistent product quality and reliability. Despite some supplier’s claims, quality has nothing to do with the country of manufacture.

 

More information on domestic CO safety & Kidde solutions can be found at this link
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