Fit an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm
Fitting a CE-approved audible carbon monoxide alarm is a good second line of defence after having your appliances safety checked. In fact, if you cannot get a safety check booked in immediately, you should buy an audible alarm now and fit it straight away. It will alert you if your appliance leaks Carbon Monoxide until it can be properly checked and certified by a professional.
Carbon Monoxide alarms need to meet European safety standards and must be audible. You usually fit them in the room that an appliance is installed but you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
We do not recommend the use of a ‘Black Spot’ detector – although they are much cheaper than an audible alarm these are often inaccurate and will not alert you if you are overcome by Carbon Monoxide fumes or asleep.
If you are concerned about the threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning whilst on holiday in the UK or abroad, you may wish to take a battery-operated Carbon Monoxide alarm with you.
Carbon Monoxide alarms cost around £20 to £30 and can be bought from most good DIY stores, some supermarkets and in most cases direct from your energy supplier.
When you buy a Carbon Monoxide alarm, make sure it meets current British and European safety standards. Look for alarms marked with the 'BS EN50291' and with the 'CE' mark, which should be found on the packaging.
Remember that Carbon Monoxide alarms must never be used in place of annual safety checks. They are a second line of defence. There is no alternative to proper installation and maintenance of your appliances.