A guide to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm legislation for heating engineers has been released by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC).
With recent updates to CO alarm legislation across the UK, it is important for heating engineers to understand the latest regulations, HHIC said. HHIC offers a comprehensive guide detailing the requirements across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland: ‘Carbon Monoxide Detectors; a quick guide to variations in requirements across the UK nations’.
While legislation may differ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, regardless of where they are in the UK, all CO alarms must meet EN 50291-1:2018 standards.
Stewart Clements, director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), underscores the necessity for heating engineers to install compliant CO alarms and educate customers on their use and maintenance.
“Whether mains-powered or battery-operated, alarms should be strategically located near combustion sources, avoiding areas prone to extreme temperatures or obstruction,” he said. “While the number of incidents regarding CO poisoning is very low, the best way of ensuring an appliance is safe is by regular servicing and maintenance.”
The HHIC’s handy guide can be downloaded here: CO Detectors Variations Document April 2025.