The provision of carbon monoxide detection equipment is now a reasonable requirement under a standard code of good practice and is also the subject of specific legislation.
Northern Ireland has become the first country in the UK to require carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in all homes with appliances that burn fuels. A detector must be installed in any home in the country when a combustion appliance is put in or replaced. The rules in Northern Ireland are not restricted to new homes and apply to solid fuel, gas and oil burning appliances.
Since 1st October 2013, Scottish Building Standards dictates that landlords must install a carbon monoxide detector whenever:
- Any new gas appliance is installed
- Any gas appliance is moved
- Any fuel appliance flue passes through bedrooms
In Scotland, England and Wales the current mandatory standard dictates that when a solid fuel appliance is installed, a carbon monoxide detector must also be installed.
In Scotland, new standards for non-domestic residential properties dictate that where there is a fuel burning source in any part of the building, then a carbon monoxide detector, with the ability to communicate with the front desk or building manager must be installed. This legislation applies to a wide range of buildings including hospitals, care homes, nursing homes and employee accommodation.
Civil Law imposes a duty on organisations to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those affected by their activities.
From the 1st October 2015 regulations require smoke alarms to be installed in rented residential accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. Changes are also made to the licence requirements in relation to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), such as shared houses and bedsits which require a licence and also in relation to properties which are subject to selective licensing. The Regulations apply both to houses and flats. Failure to comply can lead to a civil penalty being imposed of up to £5,000. (These provisions only apply in England)
The Smart Compliance solution has been specifically addressed to provide landlords with full compliance to this legislation.