Cabon Monoxide (CO) Alarms - update with subtleties

[Rob@BSSOffice]

 

Yes, there are two current standards for CO Alarms (from the bsi website):

BS EN 50291-1:2010 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises. Test methods and performance requirements

 

BS EN 50291-2:2010 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises. Electrical apparatus for continuous operation in a fixed installation in recreational vehicles and similar premises including recreational craft. Additional test methods and performance requirements

Only the latter are appropriate for fitting in boats. Many of the CO alarms from Screwfix and the like seem to comply only with BS EN 50291-1.

 

 

 

I've hijacked David's post from the MAIB report thread to introduce the topic.

 

There been lots of discussion about what alarms to buy.

 

The BSS and CoGDEM have been working the information that hopefully will give more advice.

 

To be absolutely clear it is now possible to purchase certified alarms suitable for boats and having boat installation instructions. The latest packaging for alarms certified to BS EN 50291-2:2010 should have the details.

 

The information on our CO web-pages about where to place CO alarms has been written with and approved by all the major manufacturers who are members of CoGDEM.

 

But before you rush out and buy a new alarm, if you already have an Kitemarked alarm and it was tested to BS EN 50291, or BS EN 50291-1, the CoGDEM/BSS advice is to keep that alarm, test it routinely and when it needs replacing, choose a unit showing it was tested to BS EN 50291-2 and suitable for boat use.

 

Most of the major manufacturer alarms certified and tested to BS EN 50291 are the same products/models now having gone through further testing and are certified to BS EN 50291-2.

 

The later standard takes account of the temperature range, humidity, vibration etc encountered in the marine use.

 

We have published the latest CoGDEM list here CO Alarms for boats advice

 

Please, please, please remember - CO alarms are a backstop, there to help keep you alive should something go wrong. Prevention is the best possible route.

 

These are our ten tips which if followed, should help reduce the risk of CO poisoning on your boat

• All the crew should know the symptoms of CO poisoning and how to react if it is suspected

• Install fuel burning appliances properly, in-line with makers directions

• Follow servicing guidelines; maintenance should be routine and competent - Don't allow bodged repairs, adjustments and adaptations

• Always use appliances as per the instructions and never use cookers for space heating

• Don’t block ventilation – appliance fuels like gas, coal, wood, oil, paraffin, etc. need sufficient air to burn safely

• Don’t bring charcoal BBQs on board, or have them near a cabin during or after use - only stone-cold charcoal is safe

• Keep engine fumes out of the cabin space, never use a portable generator in or near a cabin

• Learn about the danger signs, spot potential hazards before CO occurs

• Deal with problems immediately, never use equipment you suspect has problems

• Install a certified CO alarm (BS EN 50291-2), test it routinely and never remove the batteries

I hope this helps everyone who had questions on this topic - and helps people find suitable CO alarms.

 

(Before you ask - we hope to have a similar list of smoke alarms suitable for boats - it's work in progress with the smoke alarm industry)

[Sea Dog]

Excellent informative post on an important subject.

 

FWIW, I have the natty little CO-9D fire angels from screwfix which have the ppm graph display, the max ppm reading and a digital temperature display. They are marked that they comply with both the -1 and the -2 standard for boats

[b0atman]

I just believe that this should be compulsory in the RCD.

Not Picked up 4 years later .

After gas this is the safety system that with smoke detectors should have been number 2.

[DHutch]

Thank you very much for the information.

 

Will have to check the age of ours when next at the boat as most appear to have a 5-7year life and it must be getting on for that.

 

I understand the call for having them as a compulsory requirement and would not be against it, but equally the BSS has always historically focus on protecting other from your boat more than protecting you from yourself, time will tell I presume.

 

 

 

Daniel

[smileypete]

To be absolutely clear it is now possible to purchase certified alarms suitable for boats and having boat installation instructions. The latest packaging for alarms certified to BS EN 50291-2:2010 should have the details.

 

Good to hear, but is there any good reason why they can't be required by BSS?

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

[DHutch]

As its coming round to a time when people will be out on their boats more, a quick reminder of the (fairly) new availably of alarms to BS EN 50291-2:2010 as well as the BSS list of alarms that meet it.

 

 

http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/264586/CoGDEM-CO-alarms-List-Feb-2015.pdf

 

 

 

Daniel