During the recent national carbon monoxide (CO) safety campaign Zero Deaths, it was revealed that less than 15 per cent of UK homes have a CO alarm. Yet, more than 90 per cent have smoke alarms.

The number of victims does not seem to be shrinking and this subject just keeps coming up despite more than 20 years of these campaigns. According to research unveiled during the latest campaign, more than 800 people were affected by CO leaks in the past two years and around 30 people a year die from CO poisoning. These are shocking statistics and are probably conservative as many people, including doctors, do not recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning so cases go unreported.

The main signs of CO poisoning are light-headedness, head-aches, vertigo and flu-like symptoms, all of which are easily confused with other illnesses. During the recent swine flu pandemic, there is a good chance a number of CO victims were wrongly diagnosed, but many people who have survived CO poisoning have suffered long-term damage to internal organs.

The gas itself is odourless and colourless, which is why campaigners are so vocal about the need for householders to fit audible detectors that will sound the alarm at the first sign of CO gas leaking. The most common cause of CO poisoning is fuel-burning appliances that were either not fitted correctly or have not been well maintained so can leak CO when gas, coal, wood etc. do not properly combust or when ventilation is inadequate.

Campaigners have suggested about 20 million homes have fuel burning appliances that are not regularly tested and/or serviced. Householders should also be aware CO can leak into their homes from a neighbouring property, so even if they have their appliances tested and serviced they should fit an alarm.

So what can be done? There are a couple changes to the law that would make a difference: First, landlords are already required by law to have an annual gas safety inspection carried out on all of their premises. If it became mandatory for them to fit CO detectors in order to receive their gas safety certificate that would be a breakthrough in the rented accommodation sector.

Secondly for new homes, the Building Regulations Part J is being amended and is expected to include a requirement for new properties to be fitted with audible CO alarms. This was one of the main considerations during the recent consultation process and should prove valuable when the new regulations come into force this autumn. However, this provision may only apply to properties with solid fuel appliances.

So there will still be a worryingly large number of existing, privately-owned homes unprotected by legislation. That is where our industry holds the key. Heating contractors are continually visiting homes to fit new appliances or service old ones, which puts them in a privileged position to do something about this silent killer. They must remain vigilant and make it a priority to check for CO risks and to educate customers about the need to have appliances serviced annually.

Contractors have a duty of care and a responsibility to keep themselves informed about this along with all other aspects of gas engineering.