We are encouraging university students kick-starting their new term and student life in rented homes to carry out two potentially lifesaving checks:
- confirm there is a working carbon monoxide alarm in their new home, and
- and ask for the property’s current Landlord Gas Safety Record.
We’re also encouraging parents and carers helping students settle into university life to remind them to regularly test their carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide, known as CO, is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. It can be produced when fuel-burning appliances are faulty, badly fitted or poorly maintained, or when vents and flues are blocked.
Students renting privately should ask their landlord or letting agent for the current gas safety record before or when they move in.
Gas appliances provided by a landlord must receive an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The landlord is responsible for organising this and keeping an up-to-date gas safety record.
Landlords must also install an audible CO alarm, and students need to know how to test it and report any faults immediately.
Laura Ratcliffe, our Head of Social Strategy, said:
“Starting university is exciting and moving into a new home is a big step with lots to do – but these checks are simple and sadly can get overlooked.
“Students should ask their landlord to show them where their carbon monoxide alarm is and how to test it. They should also make sure their landlord has arranged for any gas appliances provided to be annually serviced and has an up-to-date gas safety record as proof.
“Parents and carers can help by reminding them to make sure the property they are renting has an audible carbon monoxide alarm and to check it regularly.
“An alarm is an important warning device, but it doesn’t replace properly checked and maintained appliances. If you spot a yellow or orange flame instead of blue flame, black or sooty marks on or around an appliance, a pilot light that repeatedly goes out or more condensation than usual in the room, stop using the appliance. Contact your landlord immediately and never attempt to investigate or repair a gas appliance yourself.”
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Symptoms can be mistaken for flu or a hangover, so students should take them seriously, particularly if several housemates feel unwell or symptoms improve after leaving the property.
If a CO alarm sounds or carbon monoxide is suspected, everyone should get into fresh air, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. Anyone who feels unwell should also seek medical help.
Checklist for staying safe
Students can use this moving-in and living away checklist to help them stay safe:
- Find and regularly test the audible carbon monoxide alarm.
- Ask for the current Landlord Gas Safety Record.
- Check that any engineer working on gas appliances in property they are renting is Gas Safe registered.
- Keep vents and flues clear.
- Save 0800 111 999 in your phone and call if smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.