We’ve all heard those horror stories of people succumbing to the effects of carbon monoxide. That’s because it’s a highly poisonous gas which has no colour, taste or smell.
That makes it impossible to detect without an alarm.
And that’s why your home needs to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed. That way, you know your family is being kept safe with something keeping a watchful eye over them, no matter what.
Alarms are far better than the ‘Black Spot’ indicators—not only are these not accurate, but they also won’t alert you to a potential risk.
So what do you need to do with the carbon monoxide alarm once you get it?
How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?
How many you need, and where to install them, depends on the risks present in your home.
If you live in a home with several stories, then you will need CO detectors on each level. The reason for this is that CO gas can often be trapped within a single level – which means some parts of your house will be completely safe, while others will be unsafe.
Where should I place my carbon monoxide detector?
If you purchase only one, then you should place it near your bedroom. That way, should the alarm ever sound, it will be loud enough to wake everyone up so you can evacuate the premises quickly. This is the best location as we’re at our most vulnerable when we’re sleeping.
For a better level of protection, you should also place CO detectors near any potential sources of carbon monoxide. It is a good idea to fit them in any room with devices which can produce the gas. These include boilers, gas cookers and solid fuel appliances like fireplaces. It’s best to place them between 1m and 3m away from the appliance.
A garage is another important location to consider – if a vehicle is left running, it can produce enough carbon monoxide to fill up a room and pose a serious health risk.
Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector in my kitchen?
If you want to place your CO detector in a kitchen where gas is used, place it between 1m and 3m away from the source.
At what height should a carbon monoxide detector be placed?
There are a couple of suggestions about where to place CO detectors.
Government guidance for landlords and tenants states a carbon monoxide detector should be placed at head height. This allows you to access it easily for monthly tests.
However, you can also choose to place it above window level. We recommend at least 15 cm below ceiling height.
And in bedrooms and living rooms, it may be better to place it at the same height as people sleeping or sitting. This is because CO mixes with air rather than just rising like smoke or sinking – making the ‘breathing zone’ height a priority.
Where should I NOT put a carbon monoxide detector?
You should not place a CO detector on the ceiling. This is because hot air might prevent the carbon monoxide from rising to and triggering the alarm. (The only exception to this is if you have a combination smoke and CO alarm. In which case you will need to make sure it’s at least 30cm away from walls or other obstructions like light fittings.)
Nor should you block the CO detector by placing it behind furniture or within cupboards.
We also recommend you avoid placing it close to heat sources or cooking appliances, or in rooms where humidity levels are high, such as in bathrooms.
How do I install my carbon monoxide detector?
Some are free-standing and require no fixing, but many of them do. However, they’re relatively simple to install as they only require a few screws in the wall. Just make sure to install them in a location where they monitor the same air that everyone is inhaling.
And just like your smoke alarms, CO alarms need regular testing and maintaining too.
What are potential sources of carbon monoxide?
There are many household appliances that, if faulty, can pose a risk of emitting carbon monoxide. Common examples include:
- Gas stoves
- Fireplaces and solid-fuel burning appliances
- Boilers
- Water heaters
- Cookers
- Central heating systems
- LPG gas appliances in caravans and boats
- Barbecues in confined areas
But even if you don’t have any of these potential carbon monoxide sources, you should still have an alarm. CO has been known to seep through the walls, floors, and ceilings of neighbouring homes or apartment blocks
And it must be stressed that having an alarm is not a replacement for the annual inspection of gas appliances. And it should also not replace having your chimneys and wood-burning appliances checked regularly.
What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
Should your CO alarm sound, it must be taken seriously. The first course of action is to open all doors and windows for ventilation and get everyone out to safety.
Turn off any possible appliances which may be causing the leak and get someone out immediately to check they are safe to use. You may want to call the Gas Emergency Service 24-hour line on 0800 111 999.
And if anyone is showing any possible signs of poisoning, or generally feeling unwell, you must seek medical advice immediately.
Make sure you’re taking the relevant steps to keep yourself, your family, and those living around you as safe as possible. You can do this by ensuring trained professionals install, maintain and service your appliances, and by having at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
