Carbon monoxide alarms become mandatory

CARBON monoxide alarms become mandatory next Monday.

From the 1st April at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm becomes a requirement on nearly all private
and non-private boats in scope of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Requirements. BSS Certifications will
not be issued to boats without alarms.

Prevent deaths

Although the need for CO alarms is being introduced to help protect boat owners from sources of
the toxic gas from neighbouring boats, the alarms are also expected to prevent death or injury to
crew members from their own boat engines or appliances.

There are four new BSS Check items in the BSS examination:

1. A check to ensure everyone on board can hear the alarm if it activates.
2. An advice check for private boats, promoting a CO alarm in the same space as a solid fuel stove—stoves can present a specific risk if flue gases enter the cabin .
3. A check that the CO alarm(s) are placed in open view, are of a certified quality and have a test
function button—this check provides an assurance about the quality of alarm manufacture and
performance .
4. A check that the CO alarm(s) are in good and working condition, showing no signs of damage,
being within any visible expiry dates and passing the function test using the test button—this check
ensures the alarm will work effectively if called upon.

Working with the BSS

Rob Lyon from Playfair Marketing is working with the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) to help them to develop and distribute safety and regulatory support information especially linked to their 2019 carbon monoxide campaign.

The information includes:

• CO alarm makers guidance about where to place a CO alarm to achieve best protection,
• What type of CO alarm to buy,
• What to do if a CO alarm goes off,
• What to do if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.

 Information is available from the BSS.