Lack of Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Rented Accommodation Puts Students at Risk
DUNFERMLINE, Scotland, September 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
UK students are facing potential death traps - with only six per cent aware that their digs must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
The findings from a survey of 2,000 renters by CORGI HomePlan, identified that students are at risk from the 'silent killer' because they are unaware of their landlords' obligations to install lifesaving detectors.
The new smoke and CO alarm law comes into effect in the UK this autumn, as more than 2.3 million students start the new academic year. It states that alarms must be installed on every floor of a property, with carbon monoxide alarms placed in every room deemed high risk, such as those with a gas fire or boiler.
However with research showing that almost three quarters (71%* ) of landlords have not yet organised a carbon monoxide alarm in their rental property, many students remain at risk.
Mark Leslie, chief executive of CORGI HomePlan, comments: "For many youngsters, the excitement of moving away from home to start uni means they might not pay attention to details like the safety of gas appliances.
"That's why we'd like parents to be the ones who make it part of their check-list. Not only to ask about the servicing of all gas appliances including the boiler, but also to make sure carbon monoxide alarms are present throughout the property."
Carbon monoxide alarms can cost as little as £20, yet CORGI HomePlan's survey discovered just one in eight people in rented accommodation were aware of a landlord's duty to provide a CO alarm. This contrasts with the four in five people who are aware that a smoke alarm must be provided.
Renters - including parents of students at university - were also shown to be unaware of a landlord's responsibility to provide an up to date gas safety certificate. Only four in 10 had asked for this when moving into rented accommodation.
CORGI HomePlan's research also reveals a worrying lack of knowledge of how to detect CO. When asked how you would know the gas is present, 28 per cent of people believe you can smell it, eight per cent think you can taste it, six per cent answered see it, two per cent insist you can hear it, while one per cent of those asked reckon you can touch it.
*Axa Business Insurance, Aug 2015.
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