CO Alarm Positioning

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Alun

CO Alarm Positioning

A number of installer calls received on the HETAS technical helpline relate to the suitable positioning of an appropriate carbon monoxide (CO) alarm and which types of alarms available on the market are suitable for use with solid fuel technologies. Any CO alarm should be permanently affixed in the same room in which the appliance is situated and should conform to the essential requirements of the applicable BS EN 50291:2010 CO alarm manufacture standard.

To aid registrants further in identifying best practice positioning of a regulatory CO alarm and to allow the consumer the highest possible response time should the CO alarm activate HETAS has developed the downloadable Technical Note 0022, providing guidance on alarm selection and positioning, as well as the responsibility of landlords and the importance of educating the consumer on how a CO alarm can save lives if positioned correctly.

Technical Note

The Technical Note should be used as a reference point in conjunction with the UK Building Regulations, as well as appropriate standards. Further guidance can be obtained by contacting the HETAS Technical Helpline on 01684 278194 or email technical@hetas.co.uk.

Visit the HETAS Technical Area to download this latest Technical Note.

CEDA and HETAS collaborate on new guidance

Posted on November 2, 2017 November 3, 2017 by Alun

CEDA and HETAS collaborate on new guidance

CEDA and HETAS collaborate on new guidance Solid fuel fired catering equipment has seen a huge increase in popularity in the last couple of years. HETAS has spent the last 18 months in close collaboration with ceda to produce some much-needed industry guidelines. These guidelines are in harmony with the latest version of DW172, the specification for commercial kitchen ventilation systems.

About ceda

CEDA Ltd is the premier Trade Association representing the most professional Catering Equipment Distributors and Service companies in the UK. Click here to find out more about ceda.

With no “ready-made” document available, Peter Kay from ceda has spent the last 18 months in close collaboration with HETAS to produce some much-needed industry guidelines.

Understanding the risk

There are a number of risks associated with this type of equipment including:

Production of carbon monoxide
Sparks from the fuels being burned
Very high temperature exhaust fumes

Aimed at a broad cross section of the industry, the guide is recommended for foodservice operators, kitchen design teams, equipment suppliers and installers, ventilation designers and engineers, maintenance engineers and ventilation cleaning specialists.

Topics covered include all aspects of equipment selection and positioning, ventilation, fire suppression, equipment operation, fuel types plus storage and handling, cleaning equipment and ductwork and maintenance issues.

HETAS and ceda expect the guide to become the go to document for the industry.

Download

HETAS Registrants can access a free to download pdf version of the guidance document in the HETAS Technical Area. Alternatively, contact the HETAS Technical Helpline for advice.

Purchase

The document entitled “Guidance on best practice for the safe installation, operation and maintenance of solid fuel fired catering equipment in commercial premises” is available from ceda for a cost of £50. To order a copy please visit the website www.ceda.co.uk/contact-us/ or contact ceda directly on 01386 793911 or by email at info@ceda.co.uk.

Test your Carbon Monoxide alarms

Posted on November 1, 2017 November 1, 2017 by Alun

Test your Carbon Monoxide alarms!

Also known as ‘Test it Tuesday’ – Always test your carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

We advise you to test your alarms at least once a month on a day you are likely to remember. Please refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.

If you need to replace or purchase a Carbon Monoxide alarm, please contact your local HETAS approved retailer or installer. Ensure that the alarm is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Building Regulations.

You can view a list of HETAS Approved Carbon Monoxide detectors in our HETAS Guide.

Further Guidance and Advice

Click here to view one of our HETAS advice leaflets with further guidance about Carbon Monoxide.

Additional guidance on protecting yourself from carbon monoxide can be found at www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/carbon-monoxide.

HETAS is proud to be a member of the All Fuels Action Fourm.

Katie Sweep Video

Posted on October 10, 2017 November 2, 2017 by Antonia Russell-Clark

Katie Sweep Video

Katie Sweep Image HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep Katie Sweep has been working with Honeywell and HV Skan to produce a number of promotional videos on the correct installation and placement of the Honeywell range of smoke alarms.

Keeping your family safe by fitting a “Smoke Alarm” has been the message for almost 4 decades…

Although the statistics show a year-on-year fall in household deaths, it simply cannot mask the devastating consequences on families, still being torn apart by fire today!

So how do we get closer to eradicating domestic/home fires?

So what should our future message be?

Put simply:

“Fit the very latest fire/smoke alarm technologies, in the right place and in the right rooms!”

With the help of one of the industry leaders in fire/smoke and CO detection, we developed a series of short 60s video clips entitled: “Which is the BEST SMOKE ALARM for my…” LOUNGE / KITCHEN / HALLWAY etc.

We do hope that these short advisory videos will serve our industry well, and will assist in delivering the future message to homeowners also.

“Together we can save lives!”

Installing a CO Alarm in a Kitchen

More Katie Sweep CO alarm installation videos can be found below:

Bedroom – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbqgc3lWJDA&feature=youtu.be

Garage – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxg0lu0FJuM&feature=youtu.be

Hallway– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDmsxQCdZIA&feature=youtu.be

Stairs and Landing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UDYLjWXoh0&feature=youtu.be

Lounge – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_5SMvn7Gq0&feature=youtu.be

Which? Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing

Posted on October 28, 2016 July 19, 2017 by Alun

Which? CO Alarm Testing

HETAS and The Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) are urging customers to purchase audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarms from well-known and recognised brands after a recent Which? report revealed a number of cheap and imported CO alarms to be unsafe and unreliable.

Which? recently put a number of CO detectors through rigorous lab testing based on the EU safety standard (EN 50291) for carbon monoxide alarms. The CO gas detection tests revealed that a group of cheap and imported CO alarms widely available online failed to detect the killer gas in more than a third of the tests.

In contrast, 13 CO alarms from leading brands that carry the BSI Kitemark™ (showing they meet the optimum standards for quality and reliability) passed every one of the tests.

Following pressure from the Which? investigation, Amazon and eBay have removed the defective alarms from sale. Which? has also alerted Trading Standards and CoGDEM regarding its findings.

HETAS CEO Bruce Allen said:

“Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas that has no smell, taste or colour. We urge customers to purchase high quality audible CO alarms from reputable brands and retailers that meet European Standard (EN 50291). This is essential to helping protect individuals and families from the effects of CO poisoning.”

How can you protect yourself against CO poisoning?

Fit a quality audible CO alarm that meets European Standard (EN 50291) and is made by a trusted brand carrying the BSI Kitemark™
Keep rooms well ventilated when using a heating or cooking appliance fuelled by gas, oil or solid fuels such as coal or wood, and use the appliance correctly
Have all appliances, flues and chimneys installed and serviced by reputable and appropriately registered engineers, for example Gas Safe Registered engineers for all gas appliances
Never use outdoor appliances like barbecues, camping stoves and paraffin heaters, indoors
Ventilate garages when running a car or petrol generator
Have your chimney swept at least once a year
Ensure your landlord provides the legal annual safety check on installed gas appliances

Part 4 of the HETAS Guide lists a range of carbon monoxide alarms supplied by members of COGDEM which are claimed, or certified, to be manufactured to BS EN 50291 and which are suitable for use with solid fuel heating appliances.

For technical advice relating to carbon monoxide detectors and positioning please contact the HETAS Technical Helpline on 01684 278170 or email technical@hetas.co.uk.

CO Awareness Week 2016

Posted on October 28, 2016 July 19, 2017 by Alun

CO Awareness Week

November 21^st to 27^th is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Join people, organisations and businesses of all sizes to help raise awareness of the danger of carbon monoxide.

Organised by Lynn Griffiths and her charity, Carbon Monoxide Awareness, the campaign is now in its eleventh year. Lynn suggests there are a number of ways you can get involved to support the charity and the campaign this year:

Update your carbon monoxide materials with the charity’s logo and messages. This could be via your website, blogs, leaflets, posters, magazines, eNewsletters or advertising.
Use your social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin to warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Hold an event to engage your local community and make everyone aware of the importance of being carbon monoxide aware.
Talk to school children, scouts, cubs, brownies, girl guides, lunch clubs etc about the dangers of carbon monoxide in the home, while camping or on boats.
Promote the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week to the public by engaging local and national media.
Promote carbon monoxide to your staff on your intranet, email signatures, screensavers, staff noticeboards and staff training.
Do you have a store or business? Why not add information about the dangers of carbon monoxide to your notice boards, websites or plan tannoy announcements throughout National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week?
Help raise much needed funds for the charity by holding charity ‘wear your own clothes to work/school days’, car washes, sell cakes, raffles, bingo etc.
If you or your family has been effected by carbon monoxide please talk to your local press and/or TV about what happened to you/your family. Let them know you are doing this to show your support to the charity “Carbon Monoxide Awareness’ and the charity’s 8^th National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
Just click and show your support: http://www.everyclick.com/carbon-monoxideawareness-limited/1125755/0/info

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity is an independent registered charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers. If you are planning something during CO Awareness Week, get in touch with Lynn and let her know.

HETAS also has a range of consumer advice leaflets available to our registrants via the HETAS Shop, including a FREE carbon monoxide leaflet. Visit shop.hetas.co.uk to order your copies.

Many of you will have also seen recent press coverage surrounding Which? testing of carbon monoxide alarms. Visit the HETAS News Page to find out more information.

Tick Tock Test

Posted on March 27, 2015 August 9, 2017 by Alun

SPRING INTO ACTION AND PLEDGE TO SAVE LIVES

Give your smoke alarms a spring clean – Tick Tock Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks this weekend.

Fire Kills is asking people across the country to welcome British Summer Time by Tick Tock Testing their smoke alarms when they change their clocks over the weekend of 28-29 March.

As we prepare for the warmer weather and the joys of spring, many of us already have a long list of chores like cleaning windows, painting hallways or tidying up the garden. For many people testing smoke alarms is often low on their list of priorities, so the Fire Kills campaign, in partnership with fire and rescue authorities, is asking people to make an online pledge to test their smoke alarms this clock change weekend. It could save your life.

Most people think that a fire will never break out in their homes but you’re at least four times more likely to die in a fire in your home if you do not have a working smoke alarm. A simple push of the ‘test’ button only takes seconds, so make sure it’s added to your spring to-do list as it could save your life and the lives of family, friends and neighbours – especially older people who need help testing. Sadly over half of all people who die in fires in the home are aged 65 or over.

Many householders don’t realise that the smoke from a fire in the home is so dangerous that it can leave them for dead. Smoke will not wake you up if there is a fire in your home – it will kill you. Smoke is responsible for over half of all deaths in accidental fires in homes. A working smoke alarm is the best way to make sure you have enough time to get out, stay out and dial 999. The Fire Kills national campaign is a timely reminder to persuade people to test their smoke alarms when they are changing their clocks around their home. The campaign uses powerful press and online images, a hard-hitting radio advert (voiced by actor Robbie Gee) and a compelling new online video to show how smoke from a fire engulfs innocent people as they sleep.

In March 2014, nearly one in seven people tested their smoke alarms when they changed their clocks to British Summer Time. This spring, Fire Kills is determined that even more people will keep their loved ones safer from fire by testing their smoke alarms. Everyone can join in and pledge to test via the Fire Kills Facebook page or online and mobile phone adverts.

Working smoke alarms can give people the wake-up call they need to escape – because smoke will not!

Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt said;

The simple act of pressing a button and testing the smoke alarms in your home could be the difference between life and death. On clock change weekend, when you put the clocks in your home forward by an hour, I urge everyone to Tick Tock Test their smoke alarms too. It takes very little extra time and could well be a life saver. In March 2014 nearly 1 in 7 people reached for the test button and I hope that this year many more do the same – not just in their own homes but in the homes of those they know and love who might need help testing. I want to see thousands of responsible householders pledging to test – and then doing it over the weekend of 28-29 March. Let’s save more lives.

The Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Peter Holland said:

Smoke alarms are a well-proven life saving tool, but they are no use if they are not working. You are at least four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm, so taking the time to test the smoke alarms in your home could be a truly lifesaving decision. The clock change weekend can act as a great reminder to test your smoke alarms – so over the weekend of 28-29 March why not test yours when you change the clocks or are catching up on those DIY jobs around your home.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity

Posted on October 7, 2014 July 18, 2017 by Alun

My name is Lynn Griffiths. You will properly be unaware I even exist so please allow me to introduce myself.

From 1988 – 1999 My family and I were poisoned by carbon monoxide for over a decade.
From 1999 – 2005 I became carbon monoxide aware and made some great contacts in the UK and America.
From 2005 – 2014 I worked long hours unpaid as President of the charity “Carbon Monoxide Awareness.”

I have spend the last 26+ years either being poisoned by carbon monoxide or trying to prevent what my family and I went through/are still going through from happening to someone else either living/working here in the UK.

I know what it’s like to be a victim of carbon monoxide.
I know what it’s like to be poisoned by carbon monoxide and have nobody to turn to for help, support or advice.
I know what it’s like to get misdiagnosed by a doctor as suffering from the flu, a virus etc.
I know what it’s like to have carbon monoxide cause long term and permanent health problems with debilitating effects to the sufferer.
I know what it’s like to love someone only to loose them and have to bring up a son aged three years and three others all of school age all alone.
I know what it’s like to try and get a school’s SENCO teacher to give your son the correct cognitive tests only to have your pleas fall on deaf ears.
I know what it’s like to pay for a gas service (annually) for over a decade only for a blocked flue to be missed over and over again.
I know what is like to care and understand.
I know what it’s like to work unpaid for long hours to try and prevent what happened to your family from happening to others.
I know what it’s like to nothave the support you so desperately need from several government ministers to help make a difference.
I know what it’s like to have no donations to help you continue with something you know a little more than most about. This is all the charity has to survive: www.everyclick.com Should you know of any company looking for a charity of the year please ask them to think of us.

How many people living here in the UK today are still unaware they too could be suffering the effects of chronic carbon monoxide poisoning just like my family and I were without even knowing it?

Carbon monoxide incidents over the last 21 months have been rising faster than the charity has ever seen before. Please help us prevent ignorance from costing another person/family/colleague their life due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of the charity’s posters and leaflets can be found on our website www.COvictim.org oron our main supporters website’s carrying their logo.

Info:

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Charity is an independent registered charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers.

Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of any hydrocarbon fuel. Examples: Coal, Charcoal, Wood, Oil, Petrol, Diesel, Natural Gas and LPG etc.

Most people are not aware:

The World Health Organisation recommendations advise people shouldn’t be exposed to more than just SIX PPM of Carbon Monoxide over 24-hours
The NICE 2013 guidelines for Carbon Monoxide poisoning emphasises that NOT finding the source of exposure does NOT exclude it ?

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs Monday 17th November to Sunday 23rd November 2014. Please add this date to your diary and if you can pledge your support to the charity by giving a little of your valuable time to help the charity educate those living in a community near you about the danger of carbon monoxide from all fuels.

For more info on the charity’s 9th National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week please click here: http://covictim.org/articles/details/pledge-your-support-to-charity-s-9th-national-carbon-monoxide-awareness-week–

If you can help the charity launch a national campaign to help save lives or prevent injury from something you can’t touch, taste, see, hear or smell please contact Lynn via the charity’s website.

Industry giants lead the way to prevent further deaths from CO

Posted on June 9, 2014 June 10, 2014 by Alun

The UK’s four main gas industry networks have joined forces to deliver this year’s carbon monoxide conference Knowledge is Power. Every year in the UK, 40 preventable deaths occur due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Knowledge is Power, hosted by The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), aims to reduce this number to zero.

Following on from the unmitigated success of last year’s landmark Carbon Monoxide: Ignorance Can Be Fatal event, this year’s conference will bring together the ‘Big Four’ gas distribution firms alongside hundreds of industry stakeholders, from emergency service personnel to charity cam
paigners.

Speaking on behalf of the Big Four, a spokesperson said: “Following the success of last year’s conference, we are delighted to join together as a group to deliver this year’s conference.

“Much progress has been made over the last 12 months and we look forward to sharing this with delegates, in addition to working together to tackle an element we are all passionate about – converting awareness to action.

“Through quality research, continued industry collaboration and openness to new innovation we believe we can really make a difference as we continue our efforts to stop the silent killer.”

Supported by the Carbon Monoxide All Actions Forum; the event takes place at the Queens Elizabeth Conference Centre II in London, on July 9^th. It will highlight the latest research, education and innovation technology in the fight against CO poisoning.

Steve Miller, Chair of the CO All Fuels Action Forum, said: “The Forum was developed out of a desire to see more collaborative ways of acting on carbon monoxide poisoning. As such, we are really thrilled to be supporting IGEM and all the gas distribution networks to host a second national carbon monoxide conference.”

Fronting the conference will be Baroness Finlay, Barry Sheerman MP and industry representatives from Gas Safety Register, PHE, HETAS, EIC and many more.

The conference aims to meet the needs of every industry involved in the safe utilisation of fuels, from fire safety chiefs to medical professionals, scientists, community workers and housing groups, helping them to mitigate the risks of carbon monoxide now and in the future.

IGEM Technical Services Manager Keith Needham said: “Last year, our focus was to bring together for the first time all those in industry, supporting agencies, representatives from related organisations and charity groups to raise awareness of CO.

“A series of objectives were set following the conference that, when completed, would have a significant impact on deaths and injuries through CO poisoning.

“We in this country benefit from one of the safest gas networks in the world. Our behaviour towards the use of gas through our appliances and how these are maintained has to change. So this year we are demonstrating that knowledge really is power and that by equipping ourselves with the tools to keep homes and businesses safe, everyone has a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries from CO. It’s great to have the full backing of the four industry gas distribution networks on such an important issue.

“Every death or injury from carbon monoxide poisoning is 100 per cent preventable. Now is the time to spread this crucial message.”

For your opportunity to get raise your profile and join the big debate contact Julie Adcock on 01509 678161 or email Julie@igem.org.uk. To book your FREE place click here.

Tick Tock Test

Posted on March 18, 2014 August 9, 2017 by Alun

When you change your clock, test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector!

The national Fire Kills campaign is reminding people of the importance of a working smoke alarm & carbon monoxide detector this month and is encouraging everyone to test theirs when they change their clocks on Sunday 30th March 2014. Listen out for advertising on national radio in the build up to the clock change weekend and look out for the chilling press adverts in national newspapers over the weekend itself. As you are four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you do not have a working smoke alarm, HETAS is helping to promote this message to all partners and stakeholders. So, please do test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you change you clocks! And, why not help out an older friend, relative or neighbour who might not be able to do so themselves?

The Fire Kills campaign also encourages people to test their smoke alarms on the first of every month with their #TimeToTest social media campaign. You can keep up to date with Fire Kills on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firekills