HHSRS Hazard 6 - Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Products

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If a tenant reports a property to the Council for a HHSRS Hazard 6 - Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Products issue, the Council is legally obligated to inspect the property for all 29 hazards outlined in the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

If the Council uncovers any Category 1 risks, it is obliged by law to take action against the landlord and any associated agents. This is not just a formality; it is a serious obligation that must be addressed.

Hazard 6 - Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Products

This hazard includes hazards resulting from the presence of excess levels in the atmosphere within the dwelling of Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Sulphur dioxide and smoke.

The main source of carbon monoxide within dwellings is the incomplete combustion of all fuels containing carbon, including gas, oil, and solid fuels. Gas and oil burning appliances are the main sources of nitrogen dioxide. Sulphur dioxide, which has a noticeable smell, is produced by oil and solid fuel.

Vulnerable Group: Children 0 - 14 years

Defects & Justifications

Flueless appliances - gas or oil burning appliances, including cookers.
Disrepair to appliance - to gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliances resulting in incomplete combustion.
Inadequate ventilation - particularly of rooms with gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliances.
Disrepair to ventilation - disrepair to the means of ventilation.
State of flues - lack of proper and regular cleaning of flues serving gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliances.
Disrepair to flues - serving gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliances.
Flue outlet siting - sited adjacent to openable window.
Extractor fans - in rooms with open flued appliances.
Ventilation lobby - no lobby between a garage and living accommodation.
Carbon monoxide detectors - lack of, or defects to, detectors.

Index of HHSRS Hazards

Rectifying the HHSRS Hazard 6 - Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Products: Guidance Checklist

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How can I prevent carbon monoxide build-up in a property?

Ensure all fuel-burning appliances like boilers, cookers, and heaters are properly installed and regularly serviced by qualified engineers. Install carbon monoxide detectors in key locations.

What signs suggest there may be carbon monoxide in the home?

Look out for soot stains around appliances, pilot lights that frequently blow out, yellow rather than blue flames, and residents reporting headaches or nausea.

What should I do if a CO alarm goes off?

Evacuate the property immediately, call emergency services, and ventilate the area. Have a qualified technician inspect and repair the appliances before re-entry.

How can I improve ventilation to reduce fuel combustion risks?

Fit adequate extractor fans in rooms with combustion appliances and ensure vents and flues are never blocked. Regular chimney sweeping also helps.

Is annual servicing of appliances a legal requirement?

Yes, under UK law, landlords must have gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide tenants with a copy of the safety certificate.