With the new Scottish Legislation for Fire and Smoke Alarms, all homes will have a higher level of protection by February 2022. This new standard will meet all of the requirements necessary to maintain safety standards for current and future occupiers, making the home feel safer and more secure.

This could be a long process to make sure that all homes in Scotland are compliant, with some families not making the deadline due to high demand and low stock of alarms. Let's find out what happens if you fail to comply with the new regulations by February 2022, and how to avoid this to happen.

Scottish Fire And Smoke Alarm Legislation In Brief

The new Scottish legislation requires that all homes, both private and social, are fitted with a Fire And Smoke Alarm System. The alarm system must be interlinked so that upon activation it will sound throughout the property. Disconnected alarms will not meet the requirements of this new legislation and could result in a penalty for those who do not comply. Click here to find our in-depth guide on what alarms your home requires.

How Do I Know If My Existing Alarms Are Interlinked?

To find out if your home is already compliant, you need to make sure all your smoke and heat alarms are interlinked together. There are two ways to do so:

• Ask your electrician. If your alarms have been recently fitted by an electrician, they might have updated your fire alarm system already. It is advised to give them a call to make sure your home is compliant.
• Test the alarms yourself. If you can't reach the electric company, or if you have fitted the alarms yourself, you can test the alarms by yourself. Simply trigger one of the alarms and if all the other detectors also go off, then your alarms are interlinked and your home is compliant. If the other alarms don't go off, then you are urged to comply as soon as possible.

In addition, your carbon monoxide detector must have a tamper-proof non-replaceable battery. According to the government guidelines, there is no need for the CO detector to be interlinked with the rest of the system. Please refer to the government website for full guidance on CO detectors.

When Should I Install A New Fire Alarm System?

The latest legislation means from 1st February 2022, all new dwellings in Scotland must have an interlinked fire and smoke alarm system installed. The new standard will improve protection for everyone living there and protect them against a potential fire.

Given the high demand and low stock of detectors, it is advised that you purchase a fire system way before the deadline. This way you can have a higher choice between different brands and models, and receive the alarms in time to have them installed before February next year.

If you are planning to get the fire alarms fitted by your local electrician, bear in mind that this is also the best moment to get the alarm systems upgraded to the new standards. Later in the year, local electricians will be busier and also more expensive as every homeowner will be rushing to get their alarms up to standard.

Where To purchase Your New Fire Alarm System?

If you are unsure of how many devices your home requires, and what areas should be covered, you can call your local electric company and request a custom quote. Otherwise, you can use some online services to find out your custom quote, within minutes and free of charge. Click here to find out your future cost for the alarms.

If you already know what detectors your home requires, the best option for you is to purchase a ready-to-go interlinked alarms bundle online: there are a lot of brands available with free delivery and installation guide included in the price. Some even offer special deals on interlinked systems, in case you purchase a full protection bundle that covers all the areas of your home. Before proceeding with the purchase, make sure that the alarms are interlinked and compliant with the new standards.

If you are looking to purchase your detector online, you should have a look at our offer for interlinked smoke alarms bundles. FireGuard+ offers a wide range of fire alarms with a solution that fits in any home. Check out our interlinked fire alarm bundles by clicking here.

Either you are willing to install the alarms yourself or call your local electric company, you should do it now to avoid low stocks. Also, if you still have a wired system, it is recommended to make sure the cables are in good condition. This way, you can avoid fire hazards and meet the new regulations at the same time. Read here on how you can save money on interlinked smoke and fire alarms.

What's Gonna Happen If You Don't Comply By The Deadline?

The Government expects up to 90% of Scottish homes to be compliant by the deadline in February 2022. Due to the reasons discussed before, some families will likely fail to comply by then.

Failing to meet the new standards could result in different issues and limitations for your property. The responsibility to upgrade the fire alarm system will rest with the property owner, but enforcement is up to local authorities.

Letting Your Property

If you are letting your property, it is still your responsibility to ensure your tenants are protected to the highest standards. Failing to do so, you might encounter issues in renting out your property or update the tenancy agreement as the updated versions include the voice "interlinked smoke and fire alarms". Even if it doesn't, it is still best practice to upgrade the fire alarms ahead of the deadline.

Insurance May Be Voided

If you own the property, you should get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible if you have not upgraded the fire alarm system yet. You may void your insurance if the property is not compliant with the new standards, and the insurance company may refuse to pay in case of a home fire. Again, the best solution is to comply with the new standard today, to avoid issues tomorrow.

Act Today

Local Authorities may step in if you do not comply with the new standard, but they will most likely try to help the homeowner first by informing them about the new regulations. It is up to the local authority to decide whether it should get involved in enforcing what is a legal requirement or not and they will take into account different factors when making their decision. If you are not sure how to proceed with the installation of interlinked fire alarms, you should read our full guidance available on the blog.

Why English Homeowners Should Install Interlinked Smoke Alarms Too

The recent legislation in Scotland is likely to be followed by a similar law in England, as the current standards for fire protection are not enough to guarantee adequate safety for all dwellings. Not having an interlinked fire alarm system could represent a big difference in case of a fire.

If you are resident in England, it is highly advised to get in touch with your local electric company or look for the best deals for interlinked fire alarms online. Find out what areas you need to protect to provide full protection against fire hazards by clicking here.

Even if your tenancy agreement or current legislation do not require interlinked smoke alarms fitted in place, if you are letting your property it is still your responsibility to ensure your tenants are protected to the highest standards. Failing to do so, you might encounter issues in renting out your property or update the tenancy agreement as the updated versions include the voice "interlinked smoke and fire alarms". If you are renting the property, you should ensure that your landlord is providing maximum safety standards in your house.

The Benefits Of Having An Interconnected Smoke Alarm System

Most modern alarm systems are interconnected, which means the alarm system splits up the house into sections and would go off if any section detects smoke. This is an essential safeguard against house fires, as it allows for a faster response time to take place. It also prevents false alarms from happening- having different types of alarms across your house depending on the type of the room, you will likely have fewer false alarms happening in the kitchen. Discover the difference between smoke and heat alarms, and why your kitchen alarm beep every time you cook.

Here are the key benefits of fitting an interlinked fire alarm system today:

• Even if a fire starts at one end of the house because all the alarms are interconnected, they will all be activated at once
• Disasters can happen anywhere in your home so this safeguards against that. It's also an important safety aspect for the elderly and individuals with disabilities or those who live alone
• Having an interlinked system also allows for a faster response for you to discover potential fires and proactively react, especially if you live in a big property
• You can add additional fire alarms to your home any time, without calling an electrician to do the job for you. Discover how to add multiple fire alarms to your existing fire alarm system
• Interlinked fire alarms can be expensive, especially if fitted by your local contractors. Here's how to save money on interlinked smoke alarms, even compared with traditional alarms

How To Save Money With Fitting Interlinked Fire Alarms

The new standard alarms are not that expensive, but they can be. The best way to save money on the new alarms is by buying them yourself and installing them in your house - it's much easier than you might think.

The new Scottish Regulation allows homeowners to install their smoke alarms to save time and money, which is the reason why it's better to buy it yourself. It is possible to buy a full kit with all the panels and wires included for about £40 - £70 per detector, which is more convenient than having a contractor fit the alarms with a starting price of £100 just for the callout.

If you are unsure you can do it yourself, have a look at how easy it could be in our video guide here. You don't need to use any tools and it takes just a few minutes, as long as you follow the easy steps. Here's a cost comparison between installing the alarms yourself and using one of the local electric companies. Discover how you can save up to £500 per house.

Don't Wait To Get Compliant

If you are letting your property, it is still your responsibility to ensure that tenants have the highest standards of protection against fire hazards. This means ensuring that smoke alarms in particular are interconnected and installed at all points throughout the house. There's never been a better time or more affordable option than installing an interlinked alarm system yourself- these systems can be expensive if done by local electricians.

The good news? You don't need any tools for installation and only take a few minutes! If you're not sure whether or not you want to tackle this project on your own, please click here to get a custom quote for your interlinked fire alarm system, free of charge. If you already know what your home requires to meet the Scottish Smoke Alarm Standards, click here to explore our existing interlinked smoke alarm bundles.

A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is a device that monitors the presence of CO in your home. It uses a sensor to measure CO levels and alerts you if it detects any.

This article will discuss the importance of having one installed in your home, as well as what symptoms to look out for so you know when you need to get help. Finally, we’ll explore some of the reasons why this could be important for your health.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning and how does it affect the body

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can cause a person to become sick or die. The carbon monoxide levels in homes are usually very low and not a risk, but high carbon monoxide levels from home sources, such as appliances, fireplaces or even tobacco smoke may pose some danger to your health. It’s important to know what carbon monoxide is and how you can protect yourself from it so that you can live safely with this invisible threat every day.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Affect Your Body?

Carbon monoxide exposure is extremely dangerous for human health. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, a chemical reaction takes place that replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide (CO-Hb). The CO-Hb reacts with myoglobin - an iron-containing protein found in muscle tissue. Myoglobin gives muscle tissues their reddish colour. The carbon monoxide portion of CO-Hb bonds to the haemoglobin's normal position on the surface of sickled red blood cells, making them less deformable because they are more "slick". This may lead to microcirculatory disturbances with potentially fatal consequences. These include hypoxemia (insufficient oxygen in the body), tissue hypoxia, carbon monoxide retention and ventricular fibrillation.

Carbon Monoxide Also Affects Your Nervous System

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning causes interference with brain function that may cause disorientation, confusion, impaired judgment and other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning may impair brain function because carbon monoxide attaches to haemoglobin in the blood, replacing oxygen molecules. The carbon monoxide then is carried through your bloodstream into your brain, where it replaces much-needed oxygen molecules that make your neurons work properly. Depending on how high the carbon monoxide levels are in your bloodstream, you may notice slurred speech or find yourself dizzy and confused. At higher carbon monoxide levels this lack of oxygen can cause a person to pass out or even die. How carbon monoxide affects our cardiovascular system: carbon monoxide effect on human body, carbon monoxide symptoms from inhalation

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning harms the heart and cardiovascular system.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your blood, which may lead to irregular heartbeat or even death! carbon monoxide is dangerous, at high levels carbon monoxide causes decreased oxygen travel from the lungs, through your bloodstream and into your cells. This can disrupt every organ in your body including the heart and brain.

In More Simple Words

This is a very complicated process to explain but carbon monoxide poisoning can change the way your blood cells move through an area of your body. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning makes people sick by changing how their cells make energy. The carbon monoxide attaches to red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body, making them "sick" as well... not able to deliver the much-needed oxygen properly.

The symptoms of CO poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a serious illness that should be taken seriously by everyone who may be exposed to this deadly gas - even at low levels. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Shortness of breath Chest pains Confusion Gastrointestinal problems Coma Death Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can kill you! Believe it or not, carbon monoxides effects on your body increase with each exposure.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

- Headache

- Dizziness

- Nausea, vomiting

- Fatigue

- Dizziness

- Nausea

- Shortness of Breath

- Vertigo

- Blurred Vision

- Confusion and disorientation.

- Chest Pain

What to do in case you think you have been poisoned at home?

Time is of the essence when carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately and call your local Emergency Medical Services(EMS) agency or fire department. Do not return to the building until you are advised it is safe to do so by authorities.

How Is CO Poisoning Treated?

The treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is primarily focused on providing 100% oxygen to improve symptoms and prevent carbon monoxide from binding with haemoglobin. This can be accomplished by transporting the person to an area where adequate fresh air is available, followed by hospitalisation, artificial respiration, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy if carbon monoxide poisoning is severe.

There is no antidote for carbon monoxide; treatment consists of supportive care such as supplying oxygen and removing carbon monoxide sources. If you have been exposed to CO poisoning, seek medical advice now!

What can produce excess CO in your home?

One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning comes from gas stoves and heaters that are old, or poorly installed. These types of appliances typically produce a great deal more CO than new ones because the gas isn't burning at its fullest potential. Older cars in your garage could also be significant sources of carbon monoxide, depending on how they're running and what you have in your garage.

Here are the most common appliances that can produce an excess of CO in your home:

• Gas Stoves
• Old Heaters
• Gas Boilers
• Fireplaces

For this reason, each of these areas is advised to be covered by Carbon Monoxide detectors. If you suspect CO in your home, have some of the above appliances checked. If it's confirmed, take the necessary steps to eliminate the source of the CO immediately.

HOW TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOX

What can be done to prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

CO detectors are inexpensive and compulsory

Install Working Carbon Monoxide Detectors at Home

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are the easiest and the least expensive way to get alerted at the first sight of gas leaks at home. Lack of detectors is one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure you and your family members will be alerted at the first sign of carbon monoxide leaks.

Where to buy it?

Carbon Monoxide Detectors can be purchased online or at your local hardware shop. The price range goes between £10 and £35 and they are fairly easy to install. If you shop online, you will likely find detailed instructions and a video guide on how to activate and fit your detector. If you go to the local hardware store, you may also ask for an installation service if you lack the technical expertise on how to install a CO detector yourself.

How to choose a carbon monoxide detector?

There are different carbon monoxide detectors on the market and choosing one should not be a difficult task. First of all, your carbon monoxide detector should have a digital display that allows you to know the exact level of CO in the air as well as how long it's been in there.

Second, you should check for a warranty as many manufacturers provide a long-term guarantee. This can be a great relief if an appliance breaks down for some reason in a few years, as you will not have to pay for it again.

Finally, the installation options and batteries. The most common detectors are battery powered, which makes them very easy to activate and fit anywhere in your home. However, batteries lifetime is between 6 months and 1 year only, needing you to regularly replace the batteries to make sure your detector is in operation. Failing to replace the batteries on time may put your life and the lives of your family members at risk.

Luckily, some battery-powered detectors come with a long-life lithium battery, lasting for over 5 years. This is extremely convenient, particularly if you live in a remote area or have difficulty accessing your home regularly, or if you are just tired of replacing batteries every few months.

CO Detectors in Scotland

Different countries have different rules, therefore it is advised to know your local laws before purchasing a carbon monoxide detector. For instance, in Scotland, it is compulsory to install at least one CO alarm in each area that has a carbon-fuelled appliance. In addition, the carbon monoxide detectors should be battery-powered and with a tamper-proof battery.

This makes the CO detectors last longer and makes it hard for kids and elderly people to access the batteries and accidentally tamper the device. If you are resident in Scotland, you should read this article regarding the new Scottish Regulations for carbon monoxide alarms. Failure to meet the requested standards might cause your insurance to be invalidated.

The best time to install one is when you're installing other detectors like smoke or fire alarms

The best time to install a carbon monoxide detector or any type of detector, for that matter is when you are installing other alarms. This is because it's easier to replace all the detectors at once and make sure they are all in operation and working condition. It's also easier to install them once and not to have to think about it anymore.

When is the last time you checked your detectors and made sure they are in working condition and meet the requirements of your country? Some people do not check their detectors for years, and they do not know whether the device is still in operation.

Apart from safety concerns, your old detectors might become an issue if they haven't been checked in a while. Many countries, including Scotland, are updating their fire alarm regulations. This means that old detectors that do not comply with the new requirements might make your insurance invalid. You will have to spend money on new detectors, and in case of a fire, it is possible you won't be covered by your insurance. If you are not sure about your country regulations, you might want to consult our full guide here.

Test Your CO Detector Before Installation

One of the most important steps to take when you buy a new CO detector is testing. The last thing you want is for your detector to break down in a few months or and then it won't work at all. Testing also will give you peace of mind that the detectors are working properly. You might want to test each alarm with a device before attaching it to the ceiling or wall, just to make sure they're working.

How to test your detector?

Depending on the type of alarm, different steps need to be taken to ensure you are giving yourself and your family the best protection possible. Some gas detection devices may come with a battery included, this means that you can immediately check whether everything is working properly. If not, you can test it before you install it.

When you get your new carbon monoxide detector, read the instructions first and find out what type of device you purchased. Some detectors which need to be wired in have a test button, others may require you to manually switch on the alarm. No matter how easy or difficult it is, with just a few minutes of your time, you'll ensure that the device is working and ready for use.

How Many Detectors Does Your Home Require?

You might think that installing one CO detector in your home, even if you don't have a multi-level property, is enough to protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. This is not the case, as multiple carbon monoxide detectors could be required, depending on your home.

Where you should install your CO detector depends on where there are carbon-fuelled appliances or cars around. These are the appliances and areas you should cover:

• gas hobs
• fireplace
• boiler
• indoors garage

Failing to install your detectors in the above areas will put your life at risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Install Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Before It's Too Late

Carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity in any home. The last thing you want is for your detector to break down and not work at all. You should install it before the need arises, or have one handy just in case of emergencies. Our guide has outlined how many CO detectors your home might require depending on where there are carbon-fuelled appliances around, and the risks your family is exposed to in case of CO poisoning.

So, what are you waiting for? Take action today and protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning. You can explore our bundle kits that contain all the necessary fire and smoke alarms to protect your home.