Having worked in the electrical and fire sectors for 22 years as an installer, manager and now a Relationship Manager at Aico, Peter Price-Higgott says it is clear that there is confusion around what installers and landlords should be adhering to. Here, he reviews the relative documents, how they reference each other and how stakeholders should work between them.
Legislation (law)
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022
In 2022, the government introduced new requirements on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms in the social rented sector and new CO Alarm requirements in the private rented sector, which came into force on 1 October 2022. The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as mains powered or battery powered) that should be installed, but instead, inform landlords of the smoke alarms available, based on the needs of the properties and their tenants. This includes outlining the alarms that are compliant with British Standards 5839-6, and how they link to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulation 2022.
- CO alarms must be compliant with BS EN 50291-1
- Smoke alarms must be compliant with BS EN 14604
In addition, landlords should follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing alarms. To support this, Aico proudly offers free, award-winning Expert Installer Training, designed to ensure electrical contractors have all the information they need to effectively install domestic Fire and CO Alarm Systems.
Learn more about the Expert Installer Training and sign up here.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
On 20 March 2019, a new law came into force to make sure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’. This means they are safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm, including fire and CO safety. If a landlord fails to meet these obligations, the tenant has the right to take action in court for breach of contract.
Building regulations
Building regulations apply whether you are self-building, renovating or extending a home. In fact, the majority of construction work, including fairly minor alterations, require building regulations compliance. These regulations sit alongside legislation and signpost you back to BS 5839-6 as detailed on page 9 of ‘Approved Document B’. Similarly, ‘Approved Document J’ for Carbon Monoxide will reference you to BS EN 50292:2013, outlining regulations for combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.
Learn more about fire and CO building regulations here.
British Standards
British Standard 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 is the professional document for fire in residential properties. The document details various grades and categories of systems for properties, the varying factor is usually based on type and tenure.
It outlines that a fire risks assessment should always be sought ‘where reasonably practicable’, however, these are rarely provided for single homeowner properties or rental properties. Without a fire risk assessment, the British Standards should be upheld as the minimum level of protection.
It is vital for electrical contractors to gain the appropriate training and qualifications to prove competence in fire alarm and detection. Aico’s CPD certified Aico Expert Installer Training provides exactly that. Once complete, you can then consider the Aico City & Guilds (2426) course, a global benchmark that recognises excellence in training and learning for domestic Fire and CO Alarm Systems.
Discover more about Aico’s award-winning training courses here: https://www.aico.co.uk/our-services/additional-training/
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