Part J Building Regulation needs beefing up

covers tiny % of homes in england & wales with solid fuel

Carbon Monoxide is often called the Silent Killer

Part J Building Regulation (CO alarms) ignores great majority of homes

With the new Part J of the Building Regulations taking effect on 1^st October, there are serious concerns that it does not go far enough by requiring CO alarms just alongside new or replacement solid fuel installations in homes.

A carbon monoxide alarm will now have to be fitted in the same room as a new or replacement fixed solid fuel heating appliance, under the 2010 Edition of the Building Regulations Part J Approved Document (AD J), which applies to England and Wales. But what about other potential CO sources in the home, particularly gas appliances? There are calls from Northern Ireland Ministers for mandatory CO alarms wherever gas heating is installed, following the deaths of two teenage friends in a modern holiday apartment complex this summer. And mandatory CO alarms for all new buildings are being considered now for Jersey’s building by-laws.

Not surprisingly, on its gas safety website, the Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends: “audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms….that comply with British Standard EN 50291 and carry a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark.” This third party approval is essential to demonstrate consistent performance, so ensuring occupant safety and avoiding the legal implications of supplying or fitting unapproved alarms.

We know that carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for around 250 deaths and serious injuries each year but more cases remain unrecognised. Carbon monoxide can be produced by any fuel burning appliances resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels including bottled or mains gas, coal, oil and wood. The main difficulty is that the dangers are often far from obvious and also that we can never predict the implications of occupiers’ actions.
Wall mounted gas boiler Gas tumble dryer Integral garage

National domestic fire safety regulations around the UK – such as Part B – recognise this problem and do not attempt to predict specific sources of fire but cover all situations. Mandatory smoke alarms in all new housing provide an effective, low-cost means of detecting and warning of fire, irrespective of its source. By its very nature, carbon monoxide justifies exactly the same approach and Part J should demand CO alarms in every new home, not just focus on the single risk of solid fuel heating. Similar measures are also justified for existing - particularly rented - homes, although they may have to come from other legislation than Building Regulations.