The CO Research Trust has responded to the Welsh Government's "Carbon Monoxide Alarms" consultation.

The consultation is seeking views on proposed amendments to the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations.

The CO Research Trust is in full support of the requirement for CO alarms to be fitted alongside flued fixed combustion appliances, of any fuel type.

The Trust's full response can be downloaded below. This includes all references to recent research to support the below arguments. Below is a summary of the Trust's response.


The Trust's Response

Do you support the Welsh Government’s proposal to require carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of a flued fixed combustion appliance of any fuel type?

The CO Research Trust strongly supports the Welsh Government’s proposal to amend the statutory guidance to require carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of a flued fixed combustion appliance of any fuel type.

The inhalation of carbon monoxide is damaging to health, with the effect on the cardiovascular, neurological and mitochondrial function being well-documented.

Furthermore, pregnant women, children and the unborn are especially vulnerable to its effects.

Requiring carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted alongside the installation of a flued fixed combustion appliance of any fuel type would be a low-cost, proportional, and timely response to this issue.


Do you agree that 'connected spaces' should be excluded as part of the proposal?

No, the Trust does not agree that 'connected spaces' should be excluded.

The extremely high concentrations of CO produced by a car engine can raise CO levels so quickly that a person may not realise there is a problem. Recent tragic cases demonstrate this.

Do you agree that where a flue passes through spaces such as a bedroom, it should be excluded as part of the above proposal?

The CO Research Trust does not agree that where a flue passes through spaces such as a bedroom, it should be excluded.

CO Alarm Consultation Response

Download Response  CO Research Circle