In this three-minute read, we examine the dangers posed by carbon monoxide.
We recently read a statistic about private landlords that left us scratching our heads.
A whopping 56% of private renters say they live in a property that doesnβt have a carbon monoxide alarm*.
Can such a high percentage of landlords really be ignoring safety advice and flouting regulations on carbon monoxide alarms?
By law, landlords must have:
- At least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their rental property which is used as living accommodation, and
- a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used – after that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
Many experts also recommend having an alarm near a gas appliance (such as a boiler), although this is not a legal requirement.
These rules are there for a good reason β carbon monoxide poisoning can cause severe illness and even death. Thereβs no excuse for complacency.
Β How is it made?
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fossil fuels. When fuels like gas, oil, charcoal, wood, or coal fail to burn properly (a process called incomplete combustion, caused by a lack of oxygen), carbon monoxide is produced.
Exposure to it is hazardous to humans and animals.
Β Detecting it
You canβt see, smell or taste it; hence its nickname, the Silent Killer. To keep safe, you need to ensure carbon monoxide alarms and fuel-burning appliances are in good working order.
Good ventilation is crucial, too. Blocked flues and chimneys are problematic, as are poorly fitted flues.
Other warning signs include:
- Black or brown stain marks around heaters and fireplaces.
- Pilot lights on gas appliances that extinguish regularly or burn yellow (they should burn blue).
- Flames that burn yellow or orange.
- Excessive condensation in a room where there is a device that burns fossil fuels.
- Excessive soot.
Symptoms
Signs of carbon monoxide exposure include vertigo, tiredness, nausea, headaches, chest pains, and blurred vision. The affected person may slip into a coma and then die.Β The NHS says 60 people die from carbon monoxide exposure every year.
Β Keeping your tenants and property safe
Landlords should:
- Brush up on the regulations and install carbon monoxide alarms where required.
- Ensure working fireplaces are serviced and swept by a competent person.
- Have gas appliances regularly serviced by a qualified engineer.
- Check any carbon monoxide alarms in the property are working when the tenant moves in (note this in the check-in inventory).
- Ask tenants to test carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms during mid-tenancy inspections.
- Endeavour to avoid cowboy builders who could bodge boiler and flue installations.
Β For more advice about keeping your tenants safe and staying on the right side of the law, contact us here atΒ Knightsbridge Professional Lettings
