From April 1st 2014, it was mandatory for heating engineers to use a flue gas analyser to record CO and CO/CO2 ratio when commissioning a condensing boiler, a move fully supported by Logic4training. Mark Krull, marketing director for Logic4training, explains.
Part of the new Benchmark Commissioning Checklist, the legislation is designed to protect both installers and homeowners by proving that they have left an appliance running safely and efficiently.
Benchmark is a nationally recognised scheme, which places responsibility on manufacturers and installers to ensure best practice in installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic heating and hot water appliances in-line with the Building Regulations in England and Wales.
To complete the flue gas test to the required standard, installers will need a BS 7967 specified electronic combustion gas analyser with a valid calibration certificate (annual checks are needed to guarantee accurate readings).
Installers are also required to leave a completed safety checklist with the boiler; failure to do so could render the installation non-compliant and invalidate the appliances warranty.
The legislation follows concerns over small number of CO incidents involving newly-commissioned condensing boilers, whereby combustion products have been caused by incorrect adjustment of the gas valve and poor flue installation.
This has led to a review by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) who, working alongside manufacturers, and other industry organisations, have developed a means of checking and recording CO levels and combustion ratio (CO/CO2) in the boiler flue gases, as part of the commissioning process.
There are fears, however, that many operatives are unaware of the new rules, which has huge implications for an industry dogged by reports of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dubbed the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide can cause serious long term health problems, such as brain damage, or even prove fatal. Government figures reveal that around 40 accidental deaths are reported each year as a result of carbon monoxide, with a further 4,000 people attending A&E departments suffering from exposure to carbon monoxide.
It has also been recommended, as industry best practice, that installers fit a CO detector with an audible alarm in customers’ homes, in addition to an annual service; something that is already mandatory in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Relevant training from Logic4training:
• Core Domestic Natural Gas safety training and assessment course (CCN1) now includes the requirements previously covered by the Combustion Performance Analyser (CPA1) assessment.
• To understand what to do in the event of a CO alarm going off, or a report of fumes, we also offer the Carbon Monoxide/Dioxide Atmosphere and Appliance Testing training and assessment course (CMDDA1).
For more information please visit, www.logic4training.co.uk
Need a flue gas analyser? Why not check out our online shop, www.logic4trade.co.uk
Mark Krull is the Marketing Director for Logic4training, which provides plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical and renewables training. Prior to joining Logic4training, he spent ten years as specification manager for Worcester, Bosch Group.
Mark is also a board member for the Solar Trade Association (STA).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reducing-the-risk-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-over-winter
