A guide to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm legislation for heating engineers

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’. 

 Carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that can occur when appliances fuelled by gas, oil, coal, or wood are not properly maintained or ventilated.  Even low-level exposure can lead to severe health issues, emphasising the importance of regular appliance servicing.

 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 advises.  “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.”  

 Fitting a CO alarm does not replace the need for annual servicing to keep appliances working safely, reliably and efficiently.  However, it is also important for heating engineers to stay up to date with the current requirements for CO alarms in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 The HHIC’s handy guide can be downloaded here: CO Detectors Variations Document April 2025