KEY POINTS REGARDING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION IN UK CARE HOMES
- Gas Appliances and Carbon Monoxide Risk
Care homes that use gas appliances (such as boilers, stoves, or gas fires) should install carbon monoxide detectors. These appliances, if faulty or not properly maintained, can produce carbon monoxide, which is odourless, colourless, and highly toxic.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 mandate that all gas appliances be properly maintained, and regular safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Legal Requirements
As of October 1, 2022, in England, under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory in rooms where there is a fixed combustion appliance (e.g., gas boilers, wood-burning stoves) in all rented accommodation, including care homes.
If your care home uses any form of fuel-burning appliance (gas, oil, wood, coal, etc.), you are legally required to install CO alarms in the rooms where those appliances are located.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Standards
While carbon monoxide detection is not explicitly required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), care homes are expected to comply with all relevant health and safety laws. Installing CO detectors ensures compliance with health and safety standards and protects residents from harm, contributing to overall good inspection results.
- Duty of Care
Care home operators have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health conditions. Installing carbon monoxide detectors helps mitigate the risk of CO poisoning, safeguarding both residents and staff.
- Fire Risk and Health & Safety Assessments
As part of regular health and safety risk assessments, care homes should evaluate the potential risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially where gas, oil, or other combustion appliances are used.
Including carbon monoxide detectors as part of your care home’s fire safety strategy ensures compliance with fire safety regulations and the broader scope of The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Best Practices
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in all rooms where gas boilers, gas fires, or other fuel-burning appliances are present.
- Ensure that the alarms are tested regularly, and batteries are replaced as needed.
- Ensure regular maintenance and servicing of gas appliances by Gas Safe registered engineers.
- Provide staff training on carbon monoxide risks and what to do if a detector goes off.
By ensuring that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and maintained, care homes can protect their residents and comply with UK safety regulations.
