Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | Wales & West Utilities

1. If you suspect carbon monoxide

2. Go outside into fresh air

3. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it’s invisible and the only way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas released when fuels like gas, wood, oil, or coal do not burn properly. This can happen if appliances are incorrectly installed, misused, or poorly maintained.

Breathing in carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems or even death.

What to do in a carbon monoxide emergency

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds,
Go outside immediately
Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

CO emergency steps

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning seek urgent medical attention

To stay safe from carbon monoxide

Have your gas appliances serviced annually by a gas safe registered engineer.
Place carbon monoxide alarms around your home. Make sure they’re in the correct position, and tested regularly.
If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek urgent medical attention.

To find a Gas Safe registered engineer, visit the official Gas Safe Register or call 0800 408 5500.

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when you breathe in even small amounts of this poisonous gas. Every year around 40 people die and over 4,000 people are injured because of carbon monoxide poisoning.

A headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms can include:

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

Look out for gas appliances that are burning with a floppy yellow or orange flame that is normally crisp and blue
Extra condensation inside windows
Pilot lights on boilers frequently blowing out
Soot or yellow stains around appliances

All these could be signs of a problem with carbon monoxide.

It isn't just the gas appliances in your home that can produce CO. Any appliance powered by coal, oil or wood can also produce CO. So, it's also important to be aware of CO if you are planning to stay in holiday accommodation, on a boat or at a campsite. Never use a barbecue in an enclosed space such as a tent or awning.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that annual gas safety checks are carried out in their properties by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

Carbon monoxide alarm regulations - England

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 requires landlords to ensure any room used as living accommodation which contains a fuel-burning appliance is equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm (excluding gas cookers). Find out more about the regulation here.

Carbon monoxide alarm regulations - Wales

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

Landlords in Wales and England are also subject to Building Regulations Document J - England and Wales. This states that any new or replacement solid-fuel appliances require a BS EN 50291 kitemarked carbon monoxide alarm.

These alarms should be fitted in the same room as the appliance. They can be mains or battery powered.

This applies to all landlords, both social and private.

RoSPA CO Hub

Created in collaboration with RoSPA, the carbon monoxide hub is your go-to destination for year-round guidance and resources on carbon monoxide for tenants and landlords.

If you believe your landlord is neglecting their responsibility for gas safety, please contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free legal advice and know your rights by visiting the Landlords' responsibility for gas safety site for further advice.