Carbon monoxide poisoning – what do care providers need to know?

The Care Association Alliance have asked us to share this important information with our members.

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The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is the proper installation and maintenance of gas equipment – and carbon monoxide alarms are a useful backup.

The recommended approach for care settings is twofold: 

1. Care homes must ensure that gas appliances are installed and maintained by a Gas Safe Registered engineer or business.

2. Carbon monoxide alarms are a useful precaution, but they are not a substitute for point 1 above.

It’s important that people who use care services and care providers are safe from the risk of harm from carbon monoxide gas. The proper installation and regular maintenance of gas appliances, carried out by a competent person, is the best way to ensure CO safety.

Care providers should refer to the Health and Safety Executive’s Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances code of practice, which specifically notes the use of CO alarms as a useful back-up precaution if you have gas appliances in use at your service. 

Another useful resource is the HSE’S Health and safety in care homes guidance.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the HSE have launched a gas safety promotion for care settings:

• May 2025 – the CQC set out the recommended approach in its bulletin.

• June 2025 – the HSE has included this item on its cross-government group on CO awareness and gas safety.