CO Deaths

From Carbon Monoxide Wiki

Deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning generated by domestic heating appliances have received a great deal of publicity in recent years.

The build up of carbon monoxide can arise because the appliance itself is faulty, more often however, it is related to misuse, poor installation or maintenance, blocked and leaky flues or inadequate ventilation. Some of these problems can also arise when the occupant deliberately obstructs the ventilation or flue to prevent draughts.

Regulations already exist concerning the installation and maintenance of most gas appliances in rented accommodation, but no such regulations apply to appliances which utilize other fuels, to portable gas appliances or indeed to owner occupied premises, whatever the fuel.

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, chaired an inter-departmental committee including: the Health and Safety Executive, the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry. This group examined the scope for tightening controls on the safety of non-gas fuelled appliances in rented accommodation, taking into account the specific requirements already in place for gas appliances.