Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, invisible and extremely toxic gas, which is produced during the burning of fossil fuels.
CO displaces the oxygen in the body and already at low concentrations causes physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
Severe CO poisoning can lead to decease.

Ideally, an alarm should be fitted in every room containing a fuel-burning appliance. It is strongly recommended to also fit alarms in bedrooms, and in rooms where you spend a lot of time.

If the alarm is being fitted in the same room as a fuel-burning appliance:

• It should be located close to the ceiling and at a height greater than the height of any door or window

• A ceiling mounted alarm should be at least 300 mm from any wall, and a wall-mounted alarm should be at least 150 mm from the ceiling. Note: Ensure that you can access the tamper proof locking tab.

• The alarm should be at a horizontal distance of between 1 m and 3 m from the nearest edge of the potential source.

If the alarm is being fitted in a room without a fuel-burning appliance it should be located relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants.

For premises such as bedsits, caravans or boats where the accommodation is a single living space incorporating the sleeping area, the apparatus should be positioned as far from the cooking appliances as possible but near to where the person sleeps.