Carbon monoxide: warning signs, alarms and the law

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas with no colour, taste or smell. It can be produced when a gas, oil, coal or wood-burning appliance is faulty or poorly ventilated. Knowing the signs and fitting an alarm can save lives.

Warning signs

Symptoms of CO poisoning can feel like flu or food poisoning:

• Headaches and dizziness.

• Nausea and tiredness.

• Breathlessness and confusion.

• Symptoms that ease when you leave the house and return when you come back.

Signs around appliances can include yellow or orange flames instead of blue, soot or staining around a boiler or fire, and a pilot light that keeps going out.

Fitting CO alarms

• Fit an audible CO alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner.

• Follow the manufacturer's positioning guidance.

• Test it regularly and replace it at the end of its life.

What the law says for landlords in England

Since October 2022, landlords in England must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Gas appliances must also be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If your alarm goes off

• Turn off fuel-burning appliances if you can, and open doors and windows.

• Leave the property and get fresh air.

• Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

• Seek medical help if anyone has symptoms.

• Do not use the appliance again until a Gas Safe engineer has checked it.

Gas safety checks and servicing

The Essential Connection carries out boiler servicing and landlord gas safety checks across Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge, Cobham, Esher and South West London. Book a check.