New laws will be introduced next month aimed at preventing deaths by carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings in rented households.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (COAW) have launched their campaign to keep people safe from the dangers of CO poisoning.
Throughout the week, information on symptoms, prevention, and what to do if one is suffering from CO poisoning is shared online. This year, COAW have highlighted new laws being introduced in Wales under ‘The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Regulations 2022’. It states:
“The landlord must ensure that, during each period of occupation, a carbon monoxide alarm which is in repair and proper working order is in each room of the dwelling which contains a gas appliance, an oil-fired combustion appliance or a solid fuel burning combustion appliance”
In simple terms, a house without a CO detector is “unfit for human habitation” (Wales and West Utilities). The Office of National Statistics (ONS) have shown that in Wales and England during the year 2020, there was 46 registered deaths as a cause of accidental CO poisoning. Additionally, the Welsh Government have said that approximately 200 people are seriously hospitalised each year due to CO poisoning.
Elizabeth Warwick from Wales and West Utilities said the new laws are a result of “consistent and sustained campaigning from the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG)” and by “putting pressure on landlords to comply, then lives will be saved”.
Clive Book, Head of Operations, says Wales and West Utilities “urge[s] everyone to use this time to check they have an audible carbon monoxide alarm and also to remind family and friends to check, to help everyone stay gas safe this winter”.