Part J - Carbon Monoxide

NEW PART J: Updated guidance on Carbon Monoxide alarms

Following the government’s consultation “Domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: proposals to extend regulations,” the new edition of Approved Document J has just been published and comes into force on 1 October 2022, subject to the transitional provisions.

SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES

Approved Document J has been amended to extend the provisions and update the guidance for carbon monoxide alarms in support of requirement J3 (Warning of the release of carbon monoxide).

The new edition of Approved Document J sets out that a carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted upon the installation of fixed combustion appliances that burn solid fuels, gas fuels (excluding gas appliances used solely for cooking), and oil fuels.

A carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted upon the installation of fixed combustion appliances in new homes and when new or replacement fixed combustion appliances are installed in existing homes.

Updated guidance on the type of carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted is provided in the new edition of Approved Document J. Carbon monoxide alarms should comply with British Standard BS EN 50291. Alarms should be powered by a battery designed to operate for the working life of the alarm. Alarms should also have a warning device to alert users when the working life of the alarm is due to pass. Alternatively, a mains-powered alarm with fixed wiring (not plug-in) should be fitted provided the alarm has a sensor failure warning device. Alarms should have an output function (Type A apparatus) for triggering ancillary devices such as remote alarms or specialist alarms for older people and disabled people.

Updated guidance on the placement of carbon monoxide alarms is provided in the new edition of Approved Document J. A carbon monoxide alarm should be located in the same room as the combustion appliance and on the ceiling at least 300mm from any wall or on a wall, as high up as possible (above any doors and windows) but not within 150mm of the ceiling and between 1m and 3m horizontally from the appliance.

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The new edition of Approved Document J comes into force on 1 October 2022 except in respect of work already commenced before that date; or, where an Initial Notice has been served before that date and work commences within 3 months of that date.