Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Policy

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

1. Compliance — Meeting all statutory requirements for smoke and CO alarm provision
2. Life Safety — Ensuring alarms are installed, working, and provide effective protection
3. Quality — Installing alarms that meet relevant standards and specifications
4. Reliability — Maintaining alarms to ensure they work when needed
5. Responsiveness — Replacing faulty alarms promptly
6. Documentation — Maintaining accurate records of all alarm work
7. Education — Advising residents on alarm use and testing

Legal Framework

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022

These regulations apply to all rented properties in England (social and private) and require landlords to:

Requirement	Details
Smoke alarms	At least one smoke alarm on each storey with habitable rooms
Carbon monoxide alarms	In any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
Working condition	Alarms must be in working order at the start of each tenancy
Repair/replace	Landlords must repair or replace alarms once notified of a fault

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The RRO applies to common parts of residential buildings and requires:

• Suitable fire detection appropriate to the risk
• Maintenance in efficient working order
• Testing at appropriate intervals
• Documentation of testing and maintenance

Building Regulations Approved Document B

Specifies smoke alarm requirements for new builds and material alterations:

Building Type	Requirement
New dwellings	Grade D1 LD3 system minimum (interlinked mains-powered with battery backup)
Material alterations	May trigger upgrade to mains-powered interlinked system
Loft conversions	LD2 system required (additional coverage of escape routes)

BS 5839 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems

Part	Coverage
BS 5839-1	Non-domestic premises
BS 5839-6	Domestic premises — Code of Practice

Other Relevant Legislation

Legislation	Relevance
Housing Act 2004	HHSRS includes fire as a hazard
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998	CO detection linked to gas appliances
Building Safety Act 2022	Enhanced requirements for higher-risk buildings
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018	Alarms contribute to fitness for habitation

Scope

This policy covers:

• All residential properties where we provide maintenance services
• Social housing, private rented sector, and leasehold properties
• Smoke alarms (ionisation, optical, heat, multi-sensor)
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Combined smoke and CO alarms
• Domestic and communal detection systems
• Installation, testing, maintenance, and replacement

Smoke Alarm Requirements

Minimum Legal Requirement (Rented Properties)

At least one smoke alarm on each storey that contains a habitable room.

Habitable rooms include:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchens (where used as living space)
• Studies
• Dining rooms

Non-habitable rooms (don’t count):

• Bathrooms
• Toilets
• Hallways (but alarms often best placed here)
• Landings
• Utility rooms

Best Practice Positioning (BS 5839-6)

Location	Recommendation
Hallways	On each level, at top and bottom of stairs
Landings	Central position on escape route
Living rooms	Centre of ceiling, away from corners
Bedrooms	Centre of ceiling
Kitchen	Heat alarm preferred, or optical alarm >3m from cooking

Where NOT to Install

Location	Reason
Within 300mm of walls/corners	Dead air space
Within 300mm of lights/decorations	Airflow obstruction
Near air vents/fans	Airflow may prevent smoke reaching alarm
Bathrooms/shower rooms	Steam causes false alarms
Kitchens (ionisation alarms)	Cooking fumes cause false alarms
Garages	Vehicle fumes cause false alarms
Very dusty areas	Dust affects sensors
Near heating appliances	Heat affects sensors
On sloped ceilings (peak)	Dead air at apex

Alarm Types

Type	Technology	Best For	Avoid
Ionisation	Detects small particles (fast-flaming fires)	Bedrooms, living rooms	Kitchens, dusty areas
Optical (Photoelectric)	Detects larger particles (smouldering fires)	Hallways, landings, near kitchens	N/A
Heat	Detects temperature rise	Kitchens, garages	Sole protection (slow response)
Multi-sensor	Combined optical and heat	Any location	More expensive

Power Supply Categories (BS 5839-6)

Grade	Power Supply	Typical Application
Grade A	Fire alarm system to BS 5839-1	HMOs, sheltered housing
Grade B	Mains-powered system with standby supply	Higher-risk domestic
Grade C	Mains-powered with no standby	Basic new build spec
Grade D1	Mains-powered with battery backup	Standard new build (10+ years)
Grade D2	Mains-powered without battery backup	Older new builds
Grade E	Primary battery (10-year lithium)	Existing properties
Grade F	Replaceable battery	Minimum standard (existing)

Coverage Categories (BS 5839-6)

Category	Coverage	Typical Application
LD1	All areas including highest risk rooms	Enhanced protection
LD2	Escape routes + high-risk rooms (kitchen, living room)	Loft conversions
LD3	Escape routes only (hallways, landings)	Minimum standard

Interlinking

Why interlink?

• When one alarm activates, all alarms sound
• Ensures residents are alerted wherever they are
• Essential for multi-storey properties
• Required for new builds and loft conversions

Interlinking methods:

• Hardwired (cable between alarms)
• Radio frequency (wireless)
• Hybrid (hardwired base units with RF link)

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

Legal Requirement (Rented Properties)

A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

Fixed combustion appliances include:

Appliance	CO Alarm Required
Gas boilers	Yes
Gas fires	Yes
Gas water heaters	Yes
Oil boilers	Yes
Oil fires	Yes
Solid fuel fires (open fires)	Yes
Wood burners	Yes
Coal fires	Yes
Gas cookers/hobs	No (excluded)
Portable heaters	No (not fixed)

Positioning

Requirement	Specification
Height	1-3 metres from floor (CO mixes with air)
Distance from appliance	1-3 metres horizontally
Ceiling mounting	At least 300mm from any wall
Wall mounting	At least 150mm from ceiling, above any door/window
Not behind furniture	Must be visible and accessible
Not in enclosed space	Must be in open room air

Where NOT to Install

Location	Reason
Outside the room with the appliance	Won’t detect CO
In cupboards or behind furniture	Impeded airflow
Near doors or windows	Diluted by fresh air
Near extract fans	CO drawn away from sensor
In damp or humid areas	Moisture affects sensor
In direct sunlight	Heat affects sensor
Near cooking appliances	Fumes cause false alarms
Below 150mm from ceiling	CO rises, dead air space

CO Alarm Standards

CO alarms must comply with:

• BS EN 50291-1 — Electrical apparatus for CO detection (general)
• BS EN 50291-2 — Electrical apparatus for CO detection (specific rooms)
• Kitemark or equivalent — Third-party certification

CO Alarm Types

Type	Power	Lifespan	Best For
Sealed lithium battery	Battery (10-year)	10 years	Easy installation, no mains
Mains with battery backup	230V + battery	7-10 years	Reliable power, backup protection
Replaceable battery	AA/9V	Sensor 5-7 years	Budget option (not recommended)
Plug-in	Mains socket	5-7 years	No installation, but uses socket

Recommendation: Sealed 10-year lithium battery or mains-powered with battery backup.

Installation Standards

General Installation Requirements

Requirement	Standard
Competent installer	Trained, qualified personnel
Manufacturer’s instructions	Always followed
Correct positioning	As per BS 5839-6 / EN 50291
Secure fixing	Properly mounted, stable
Testing after installation	Functional test before leaving
Documentation	Record of installation details
Resident instruction	Explain testing, what to do if alarm sounds

Smoke Alarm Installation

Ceiling mounting (preferred):

1. Position in centre of room/hallway or 300mm from walls
2. Avoid dead air spaces and obstructions
3. Mark fixing position
4. Drill and plug (if required)
5. Fix base plate securely
6. Connect mains supply (if applicable)
7. Attach alarm to base plate
8. Test alarm function
9. Link to other alarms (if applicable)
10. Test interlinking
11. Inform resident and demonstrate test

Wall mounting (if ceiling not possible):

1. Position 150-300mm below ceiling
2. Ensure sensor is not obstructed
3. Follow ceiling mounting process

CO Alarm Installation

1. Identify all rooms with fixed combustion appliances
2. Position 1-3 metres from appliance
3. Mount at correct height (1-3m from floor)
4. Fix securely to wall or ceiling
5. Test alarm function
6. Inform resident and demonstrate test
7. Provide CO safety advice

Mains-Powered Installation

Mains-powered alarms must be installed by a competent person:

• Permanent live connection (not switched)
• Dedicated circuit or connection to lighting circuit
• Cable protection as required
• Comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
• Part P notification if required

Testing Requirements

Testing at Start of Tenancy

Legal requirement: Alarms must be in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

Action	Who	When
Test all smoke alarms	Landlord/agent/contractor	Before tenancy starts
Test all CO alarms	Landlord/agent/contractor	Before tenancy starts
Record results	Landlord/agent/contractor	Inventory/check-in report
Demonstrate to resident	Landlord/agent/contractor	At check-in

Routine Testing (Resident Responsibility)

Residents should test alarms regularly:

Alarm Type	Test Frequency
Smoke alarms	Weekly
CO alarms	Monthly (or weekly)

Testing method:

• Press and hold test button until alarm sounds
• If alarm doesn’t sound, report immediately

Annual Testing (Landlord/Service Visit)

Action	Frequency
Functional test (test button)	Annual minimum
Visual inspection	Annual minimum
Check expiry date	Annual
Clean alarm (if required)	Annual
Battery check/replacement	Annual (if applicable)
Record and certificate	Annual

Testing During Other Visits

All operatives visiting properties should:

• Note presence/absence of smoke and CO alarms
• Report any obvious defects or missing alarms
• Test alarms if within scope of work
• Record observations

Maintenance

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Responsibility
Functional test	Weekly	Resident
Cleaning (vacuum dust)	6-monthly	Resident
Visual inspection	Annual	Service visit
Battery replacement (if applicable)	Annual or when chirping	Service visit
Alarm replacement	10 years (or per manufacturer)	Service visit

CO Alarm Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Responsibility
Functional test	Monthly	Resident
Visual inspection	Annual	Service visit
Check expiry date	Annual	Service visit
Alarm replacement	Per expiry date (5-10 years)	Service visit

Cleaning

Dust and debris can prevent alarms working:

• Vacuum around vents gently
• Do not paint alarms
• Do not use cleaning sprays or solvents
• Do not submerge in water

When to Replace

Condition	Action
Alarm past expiry date	Replace
Alarm fails functional test	Replace
Alarm damaged	Replace
Alarm discoloured/contaminated	Replace
Alarm repeatedly false alarming	Investigate and replace if faulty
Battery low (sealed unit)	Replace whole unit
Technology obsolete	Consider upgrade

Expiry and Replacement Lifecycle

Alarm Type	Typical Lifespan
Ionisation smoke alarm	10 years
Optical smoke alarm	10 years
Heat alarm	10-15 years
CO alarm (sealed battery)	7-10 years
CO alarm (replaceable battery)	5-7 years (sensor life)

Note: Always check manufacturer’s guidance — expiry date should be marked on the alarm.

Response to Faults

Fault Reporting

Residents can report alarm faults via:

• Telephone: [Phone number]
• Email: [Email address]
• Online: [Portal]
• App: [If applicable]

Response Timescales

Fault Type	Response
CO alarm not working (appliance present)	Emergency — within 24 hours
Smoke alarm not working (sole alarm)	Urgent — within 48 hours
Smoke alarm not working (other alarms present)	Within 5 working days
Low battery chirp	Within 5 working days
False alarming	Within 5 working days (or sooner if persistent)

Replacement Process

1. Receive fault report
2. Raise job with appropriate priority
3. Attend property with replacement alarm
4. Remove faulty alarm
5. Install new alarm (like-for-like or upgrade)
6. Test new alarm
7. Test any linked alarms
8. Instruct resident on testing
9. Complete documentation
10. Dispose of old alarm appropriately

False Alarms

Causes of False Alarms

Cause	Prevention
Cooking fumes	Heat alarm in kitchen, optical >3m from cooker
Steam	Do not install in bathroom, away from kettles
Dust	Regular cleaning, vacuum sensor area
Insects	Sealed units, regular cleaning
Low battery	Annual battery replacement, 10-year sealed units
End of life	Replace alarms at expiry
Incorrect alarm type	Match alarm type to location
Incorrect positioning	Relocate alarm

Managing False Alarms

Action	Responsibility
Advise resident on causes	Service visit
Assess alarm position	Service visit
Consider alarm type change	Service visit
Relocate if necessary	Service visit
Replace if faulty	Service visit
Document findings	Service visit

Resident Actions (False Alarm)

Advise residents:

• Do not remove batteries or disconnect alarm
• Ventilate the area (open windows)
• Press hush/silence button if available
• Wait for alarm to reset
• If alarm sounds again (no obvious cause), report it
• Never disable or remove alarms

Communal Areas

Detection in Common Parts

Communal areas (hallways, stairwells, landings) in blocks of flats may require:

System	Trigger
Grade A system (fire alarm panel)	Higher-risk buildings, regulatory requirement
Communal smoke detection	Required by FRA, interlinking considerations
Automatic opening vents	Smoke-triggered ventilation
Connection to building fire alarm	Where system exists

Responsibilities

Party	Responsibility
Landlord	Communal fire detection as required by FRA
We deliver	Installation, testing, maintenance per contract
Fire Risk Assessor	Specify detection requirements
Building Safety Manager	Oversight of fire safety (HRBs)

Testing in Communal Areas

Test	Frequency
Weekly fire alarm test	Weekly (usually same day/time)
Quarterly inspection	Visual inspection of detectors
Annual service	Full test, clean, documentation
After any fire incident	Functional verification

Documentation

Installation Records

For each alarm installed, record:

Field	Details
Property address	Full address and UPRN
Installation date	Date of installation
Alarm location	Room and position
Alarm type	Smoke/CO/heat/multi-sensor
Make and model	Manufacturer and model number
Serial number	If visible
Power type	Mains/battery/sealed lithium
Expiry date	From manufacturer
Interlinked	Yes/No and method
Installer	Name and ID
Test result	Pass/Fail

Testing Records

Field	Details
Property address	Full address
Test date	Date of test
Alarm location	Room and position
Test result	Pass/Fail
Action taken	None/replaced/cleaned/battery
Tester	Name and ID
Resident advice given	Yes/No

Certificates

We can provide clients with:

• Smoke and CO Alarm Installation Certificate
• Annual Test Certificate
• Compliance Statement

Record Retention

Record	Retention Period
Installation records	Life of alarm + 6 years
Test records	6 years
Replacement records	Life of new alarm + 6 years
Certificates	6 years

Resident Communication

Information for Residents

We provide residents with:

Information	Method
How to test alarms	Verbal at visit, written card
What to do if alarm sounds	Written card
What to do if alarm faulty	Written card
How to report faults	Contact details
Carbon monoxide safety	Written leaflet
Fire safety advice	Written leaflet

Resident Advice Card

Your Smoke and CO Alarms

✓ Test smoke alarms weekly — press and hold the test button ✓ Test CO alarms monthly — press and hold the test button ✓ If the alarm chirps, the battery may be low — report it ✓ If the alarm doesn’t sound when tested — report it immediately ✓ Never remove batteries or disconnect alarms ✓ Never cover or paint alarms

If Your Smoke Alarm Sounds:

1. Alert everyone in the property
2. Get out and stay out
3. Call 999
4. Do not re-enter until fire service says it’s safe

If Your CO Alarm Sounds:

1. Stop using all fuel-burning appliances
2. Open windows and doors to ventilate
3. Get everyone outside into fresh air
4. Call the Gas Emergency Line: 0800 111 999
5. Do not re-enter until advised safe
6. Seek medical attention if anyone feels unwell

Carbon Monoxide Safety

The Danger of CO

Carbon monoxide (CO) is:

• Colourless, odourless, tasteless — you cannot detect it without an alarm
• Produced by incomplete combustion of fuels (gas, oil, wood, coal)
• Potentially fatal — causes around 30 deaths per year in the UK
• A cause of long-term health effects even at low levels

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Severity	Symptoms
Mild	Headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness
Moderate	Confusion, drowsiness, fast heart rate
Severe	Loss of consciousness, seizures, death

Key indicator: Symptoms improve when away from the property.

Sources of CO

Source	Risk
Gas boilers	Blocked flue, poor combustion
Gas fires	Faulty appliance, blocked flue
Gas water heaters	Blocked flue, poor ventilation
Oil boilers	Faulty appliance, blocked flue
Solid fuel fires	Blocked chimney, poor ventilation
Wood burners	Blocked flue, closed vents
Portable heaters	Any fuel-burning portable heater
BBQs/generators	Brought indoors (never do this)
Vehicle exhaust	Attached garage, running engine

CO Response Procedure

If CO alarm sounds:

1. Stop — Turn off all fuel-burning appliances if safe to do so
2. Ventilate — Open all windows and doors
3. Evacuate — Get everyone outside into fresh air
4. Call — Gas Emergency Line 0800 111 999 (for gas) or 999 (if unwell)
5. Do not re-enter — Until appliances have been checked by Gas Safe engineer
6. Medical attention — If anyone has symptoms, attend A&E and inform them of possible CO exposure

Our Response to CO Incidents

Scenario	Action
CO alarm activation reported	Emergency response, Gas Safe engineer attend within 24 hours
CO alarm faulty	Replace within 24 hours if combustion appliance present
CO detected	Cap appliance, report as ID (Immediately Dangerous), advise resident
CO symptoms reported	Emergency response, advise medical attention

Special Circumstances

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

Enhanced requirements may apply:

Requirement	Detail
Fire alarm system	Grade A LD2 system may be required
Interlinked alarms	Throughout the property
Regular testing	More frequent testing and maintenance
Documentation	Fire safety documentation for licensing
FRA	Fire Risk Assessment required

Sheltered Housing and Extra Care

Consideration	Approach
Vulnerable residents	Enhanced detection (LD2)
Hearing impaired	Vibrating pad or strobe alarms
Mobility impaired	Consider evacuation needs
Telecare integration	Alarms linked to monitoring centre
Warden/staff response	Alert protocols

Loft Conversions

Building Regulations require:

• Upgrade to LD2 system (escape routes + high-risk rooms)
• Mains-powered interlinked alarms with battery backup
• Protection to new room and escape route

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Residents

Alternative alerting devices:

Device	Description
Vibrating pad	Under pillow, activates when alarm sounds
Strobe light	Flashing light alert
Pager system	Wearable device vibrates
Telecare alarm	Linked to monitoring centre

Roles and Responsibilities

All Services 4U

Role	Responsibility
Managing Director	Overall accountability
Operations Director	Service delivery, compliance
Contract Managers	Client liaison, reporting
Supervisors	Quality assurance
Installers	Competent installation, testing, documentation
All operatives	Report missing/faulty alarms observed

Our Clients (Landlords)

Landlords retain responsibility for:

• Ensuring alarms are installed as required by law
• Ensuring alarms are in working order at start of tenancy
• Repairing or replacing alarms when notified of fault
• Keeping records of compliance
• Responding to resident reports

We support clients by delivering compliant services.

Residents

Residents are responsible for:

• Testing alarms regularly (weekly smoke, monthly CO)
• Reporting faults promptly
• Not tampering with, removing, or disabling alarms
• Allowing access for maintenance
• Following advice if alarm sounds

Training and Competence

Competence Requirements

Activity	Competence
Battery alarm installation	Trained installer
Mains alarm installation	Qualified electrician
Fire alarm systems (Grade A)	FIA trained or equivalent
Testing	Trained personnel
Diagnostics	Trained personnel

Training Programme

Training	Audience	Frequency
Smoke and CO alarm awareness	All operatives	Induction
Installation training	Installers	Initial + updates
Testing and maintenance	Service operatives	Initial + updates
Fire alarm systems	Specialist engineers	As required
CO safety	All gas engineers	Annual CPD

Performance Monitoring

Key Performance Indicators

KPI	Target
Alarms installed at start of tenancy	100%
Alarms tested at annual service	100%
CO alarm faults resolved within 24 hours	100%
Smoke alarm faults resolved within 5 days	100%
Alarms replaced before expiry	100%
Documentation complete and accurate	100%

Reporting

Report	Frequency
Installation completions	Monthly
Testing completions	Monthly
Fault repairs	Monthly
Compliance status	Monthly
Trend analysis	Quarterly

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect:

• Changes in legislation and regulations
• Changes in British Standards
• Manufacturer guidance updates
• Lessons learned from incidents
• Client requirements
• Industry best practice

Related Policies and Procedures

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Fire Safety Policy
• Gas Safety Policy
• Electrical Safety Policy
• Awaab’s Law Compliance Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Safeguarding Policy

Approval

This Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy has been approved by the Managing Director.

Signed:

[Name] Managing Director All Services 4U

Date: [Date]

Review Date: [Date + 1 year]

Contact

Service Enquiries Email: service@allservices4u.co.uk Phone: [Phone number]

Emergency Response (24-hour) Phone: [Emergency number]

Gas Emergency (National Grid) Phone: 0800 111 999

Quick Reference

Legal Requirements (Rented Properties)

Requirement	Standard
Smoke alarms	One per storey with habitable rooms
CO alarms	Any room with fixed combustion appliance (except gas cooker)
Working order	At start of each tenancy
Repair/replace	When notified of fault

Response Times

Fault	Response
CO alarm not working (appliance present)	24 hours
Smoke alarm not working (sole alarm)	48 hours
Other alarm faults	5 working days

Testing Frequency

Alarm	Frequency
Smoke alarm	Weekly
CO alarm	Monthly

If CO Alarm Sounds

1. Stop using appliances
2. Open windows and doors
3. Get everyone outside
4. Call 0800 111 999
5. Do not re-enter until safe
6. Seek medical attention if unwell

All Services 4U is committed to protecting residents through effective smoke and carbon monoxide detection. We support our clients to meet their legal obligations and keep residents safe.