Don’t confuse carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning symptoms for a hangover – RoSPA and Wales & West

• Thirty-two per cent of under 35s feel uninformed about carbon monoxide
• Women feel less confident recognising CO risks than men
• Students will soon be going to university and moving into new homes
• Hangover symptoms and carbon monoxide symptoms are very similar

As fresher’s week and the move into new student homes fast approaches, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Wales & West Utilities are warning students to know the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) and not to confuse hangover symptoms with CO poisoning.

The warning comes in the wake of new research that shows young people could be more at risk from what’s been dubbed ‘the silent killer’.

RoSPA and Wales & West polled 2000 people on their knowledge and understanding of carbon monoxide risks, which showed that the younger generations know less about CO than their older counterparts, with 32 per cent of under 35s feeling ‘uninformed’ about the risks. The data also suggests that women are less informed about the risks than their male counterparts.

CO poisoning happens when you breathe in even small amounts of this poisonous gas. Every year around 40 people die and over 4,000 become seriously ill as a result of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
• tiredness and confusion
• stomach pain
• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be like those of food poisoning and the flu. However, unlike the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever).

Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said:

“Our research shows that over a third of under 35s don’t know the risks of carbon monoxide, which is particularly worrying. We urge everyone, including those moving into student accommodation, to understand the law and how to keep safe.

“When moving into a new home, ensure your landlord has installed and properly maintained carbon monoxide alarm  near gas appliances or fireplaces. Check that gas appliances have undergone an annual safety check and share symptoms like headaches and dizziness with housemates. If suspicious of carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate to fresh air and dial 999 immediately.”

Clive Book, Head of Operations at Wales & West Utilities said:

“Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms may resemble those experienced during a hangover. Therefore, we strongly encourage students to prioritise carbon monoxide awareness, familiarise themselves with emergency protocols, and understand their responsibilities concerning alarms.”

What does the law say about who is responsible for carbon monoxide alarms?

England

Since October 1, 2022, new regulations required carbon monoxide alarms in all rented and new build properties with fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers). If a fixed combustion appliance is installed, landlords in both private and social sectors must repair or replace faulty alarms when notified.

Wales

Since December 1, 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, under Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) regulations, mandates landlords to ensure working CO alarms  are fitted in all properties with gas, oil-fired, or solid fuel-burning appliances.

Wales (and England) are also subject to adhering Building Regulations Document J – England and Wales, which states that any new or replacement solid-fuel appliances in England and Wales require a BS EN 50291 Kitemarked Carbon Monoxide alarm. These alarms should be fitted in the same room as the appliance and can be mains or battery powered.

Scotland

Since February 1, 2022, all homes, whether rented or owned, must have a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance or a flue (excluding cooking appliances). If you’re renting, your landlord is responsible for providing the alarm. The alarms must meet British Standards (EN 50291-1) and have a sealed battery for tamper-proof security.

1. Ensure a smoke alarm on each floor with living accommodation, a requirement since 2015
2. Equip a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, such as boilers (excluding gas cookers)
3. Promptly repair or replace faulty smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Local authorities can impose fines for non-compliance.

Northern Ireland

Since October 31, 2012, all homes in Northern Ireland with new fossil fuel appliances must have CO alarms, following changes to The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. Additionally, the recent Private Tenancies Act, effective April 27, 2022, requires landlords in Northern Ireland to install and repair carbon monoxide alarms in privately rented homes.

Holiday Rentals[SS1] 

Regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in holiday rentals vary by country. In England, landlords must equip alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, and non-compliance can result in fines imposed by local authorities. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £5,000. Always check your holiday accommodation for a carbon monoxide alarm.

In Scotland, the Tolerable Standard, enacted this year, mandates carbon monoxide alarms in all homes.

In Wales, Fitness for Human Habitation Regulations requires landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with gas, oil, or solid fuel-burning appliances.

• What type of carbon monoxide alarm is recommended?  Like smoke alarms, these should be chosen based on your or your building’s needs, as well as complying with British Standards BS 50291. Our advice? Opt for sealed battery alarms
• Where should alarms be strategically located? A carbon monoxide alarm should be placed in every room with a fixed combustion appliance. If this isn’t the case, contact your landlord

• Is battery replacement considered a repair, and who handles it? Landlords are tasked with repairs. During tenancy, tenants manage battery replacements, while landlords address faulty alarms
• How should tenants conduct alarm testing? Testing is straightforward; follow manufacturer instructions. Landlords can provide demonstrations or written instructions to tenants
• What steps should tenants take if alarms aren’t functioning? Tenants replace batteries, and persistent issues should be reported to the landlord

• Have your gas appliances been serviced this year? Your landlord should arrange for a gas engineer on the Gas Safe Register to complete this. Also, your landlord should only consult with professionals when hired to annually service any other fossil-fuel burning appliances, such as oil or coal burning stoves.

For further information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit RoSPA and Wales & West’s carbon monoxide hub here.