Carbon monoxide alarms will become compulsory in an effort to prevent deaths from the poisonous gas known as the “silent killer”.
The Scottish Government has announced a change in building regulations which will require the alarms to be fitted when new or replacement boilers, heaters, fires and stoves are installed in houses, hotels, guest houses and care homes.
The change comes into force on October 1. Building firms will be required to make sure the alarms are fitted in new homes. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it cannot be seen, smelt or tasted.
Household appliances such as boilers or heaters which are fuelled by solid fuel, oil or gas all have the potential to cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they are poorly installed or commissioned, inadequately maintained or incorrectly used.
Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish Government recognises the devastating effect carbon monoxide poisoning can have on people’s lives.
“Not a year goes by where there isn’t an avoidable death in Scotland from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty heating appliances in buildings. There are also a considerable number of incidents where people are treated in hospital for the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“That is why, from 1 October, the Scottish building regulations will require carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted when a new or replacement boiler or other heating appliance is to be installed in a dwelling and other buildings with bedrooms.”
Louis Blake, from the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign, said: “In the UK, at least 50 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and thousands more need hospital treatment. An audible carbon monoxide alarm is the only way to protect yourself and your family.
“This change to the Scottish building regulations will see more detectors in Scottish homes, which will save lives. However, we urge people to act now to protect themselves from carbon monoxide and buy an alarm today.”