A comprehensive guide has been published by Kidde Fyrnetics to help all those involved with housing to understand their responsibilities and the latest requirements for protecting occupants from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new 8-page document is intended for anyone involved with housing - including RSLs and private landlords, house-builders, developers, architects, surveyors, building control and environmental health officers, and electrical contractors. It offers detailed guidance on all aspects of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

The guide also provides an informative commentary on the complex and confusing combinations of standards, regulations and responsibilities that apply separately to fire and CO poisoning. The latest amendments and future developments are highlighted, as well as areas where further change is still needed.

Although subject to separate standards and regulations, the guide argues that there are good reasons for specifiers and housing providers to consider both fire and carbon monoxide risks together. It also presents a compelling case for universal minimum recommendations - set out in the guide - for hard-wired smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that all requirements are satisfied and responsibilities being met.

Building Regulations around the UK and Ireland, British Standard Codes of Practice, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and housing quality standards, as well as civil law responsibilities, are all covered and the guide clearly identifies the various different requirements that apply to particular localities and types of housing. It also highlights conflicts between different requirements and problems of interpretation.

The guide is available free of charge www.smoke-alarms.co.uk

 

Posted September 20th, 2011 at 1430 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com