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 release of carbon monoxide). This new edition 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 cookers) and oil fuels.
A carbon monoxide alarm (which complies with British Standard BS EN 50291) should be fitted when fixed combustion appliances are installed in new homes and in existing homes for new or replacement fixed combustion appliances.
Approved Document J contains guidance on the specification and placement of carbon monoxide alarms.
The new arrangements came into force on 1 October 2022 with the following exceptions:
- where work commenced before that date
- where a building, initial or amendment notice (or full plans deposited) has been given before the 1st (provided that works started within three months)
- for work where no notification is required (regulation 12(6) of Building Regulations 2010) provided work commences within three months of that date.
As the fitting of carbon monoxide alarms in existing dwellings will most likely be carried out by installers registered with Gas Safe Register or a Competent Person Scheme the compliance of the work will mainly be self-certificated.
The new building regulations came into force for applications made on or after 15 June 2022. The new requirements will not apply to applications made prior to June 15, providing substantial building work has begun before 15 June 2023 on all aspects of the application. This gives 1 year’s grace to allow commencement. (Note: jobs need substantial start i.e. foundations dug and poured.)
Further information about those changes on the Part L and F extension and alterations booklet.