Employers have responsibilities for the health and safety of their employees and any visitors to their premises such as customers, suppliers and the general public. In addition to these duties, there are regulations to deal with particular hazards and for industries where hazards are particularly high.
If you suspect, based on symptoms, that you’re experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, open windows and doors, switch off all gas-powered devices, evacuate the property, seek immediate medical advice, and contact the Gas Emergency Service. If you smell gas, whether inside or outside, or experience any of the symptoms of exposure to natural gas (including feeling lightheaded, dizzy or nauseated and experiencing headaches), call the Gas Emergency Service immediately.
Under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an employer or Self-employed person has a responsibility to provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are, so far as reasonably practical, safe and without risk to health. Statutory Instrument 1998 No. 2306: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 requires that the user of an installed system and the owner of a mobile system shall ensure that the system is properly maintained in good repair, so as to prevent danger. See extra info at CP7 Gas Inspections.
Where to safely position your alarm: Your carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted in the same room as the gas appliance and located at least one metre away from it. The alarm should be positioned at head height and should not have anything obstructing it or be located near a source of ventilation or condensation (eg. a kettle). Maintaining and testing the alarm Your carbon monoxide alarm should have a ‘test’ button. Make sure that you make a habit of regularly testing your alarm to check that it is still working and the batteries do not need changing.
