In the North of Ireland we recently suffered the deaths of two young men. They were asphyxiated by carbon monoxide released by a gas appliance which was connected to a flue which had been incorrectly installed. They were staying with a friend in a relatively new apartment by the sea which was owned by a relative. The young men were celebrating the end of a long period of revision for their A Levels when all three were overcome by fumes. Only one survived.
It appears that the HSE investigation has uncovered flues that had not been installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions in every single one of the 14 apartments in the block!
I believe that we should have long ago mandated the installation of carbon monoxide detectors using the Building Regulations as a mechanism. Needless to say the matter is now to be discussed in our local parliament, a tad late for the families of two young lads at the gateway to life.
I would love to see the opportunity being taken to review the currently, minimalistic (in my view) regulatory requirements relating to fire and carbon monoxide detection in all domestic premises.
Regards,
Lyle Dunn
