Regulations changes for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will ensure greater protection for homes in England, said a leading manufacturer.
Following a recent government consultation, the regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in England are set to expand for both privately and socially rented homes.
The amendments, Aico said, will improve fire safety within social housing, with landlords being required to install at least one Smoke alarm on each storey of their properties.
“There are several amendments to the requirements for carbon monoxide alarms to bring greater protection to residents,” Aico said. “The first requires all private and social landlords to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room of a property that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as boilers, warm air heaters, fires and water heaters [excluding gas cookers]. In addition, it will be a legal obligation for landlords to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any home when a new fixed combustion appliance is fitted [excluding gas cookers]. Although gas cookers are exempt from the proposed legislation changes, it is still recommended within the British Standards that these appliances are also covered.”
National technical manager for Aico, Andy Speake, said: “At Aico, we strive to promote best practice and deliver safer homes, so it’s great to see the proposed amendments to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and Approved Document J, be so well received. The recommendations are welcomed by all of us working in the industry, and the expansion of the regulations will certainly bring greater levels of protection to residents of rented homes across England.”