​Electrical Fixed Wiring Testing (EICR) and PAT Testing became mandatory for Private Rented Properties in Scotland in December 2015.

New Smoke/Heat/Carbon detection legislation was introduced in May 2014.

This applies to all Private Rented Properties.

Visit our website for more information as well as the view the information in the below, supplied by Stirling Council to all Private Landlords in July 2017

It may be the weekend and some of us will be enjoying some downtime but electricity doesn't know its Saturday or Sunday and continues to power our lives which means electrical safety is a 24/7/365 concern and something we all must be aware of to make sure we keep safe as best as we can.

Electrical safety especially in private rented homes has improved greatly over the last few years due to a change in electrical and fire safety regulations meaning mandatory electrical wiring testing and increased fire detectors has improved the safety for the tenants.

Improving electrical safety in homes and businesses continues to be at the top of the agenda for our electrical trade organisation in Scotland SELECT and their hard work so far should be congratulated and their efforts for continual improvement supported.

Last year I wrote a small article on electrical safety and efficiency in homes which was published in the popular Love Local magazine which covers Stirling and Clackmannanshire areas.

The article can be read below and if you have any questions about how you can improve electrical safety and efficiency in your premises please ask by commenting on this post or contact me via our website. 

Another good source for safety advice within your home can be found at the Electrical Safety First website.

Did you know that a change in Scottish Building Regulations means that from now Carbon Monoxide alarms must be fitted when installing a new or replacement fuel burning appliance such as boilers, fires, wood burners in any dwelling and residential building.

So if you are having any of these appliances installed or replaced make sure the installer is also making sure you have a working life saving Carbon Monoxide alarm

What is CO & why does it need to be monitored?
Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odourless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas that, if inhaled, can cause serious ill effects - justifying its name as 'The Silent Killer'. CO is readily absorbed by haemoglobin in the blood - approximately 240 times more efficiently than oxygen. This causes serious damage to the heart and brain from oxygen starvation.

How is CO produced?
Carbon Monoxide originates from the combustion of any fossil fuel - coal, bottled and natural gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel, charcoal etc.

What are the main sources of CO?
All Fossil fuel burning appliances produce CO, this is normally vented through flues and chimneys to the outside atmosphere. However, if the process is not entirely efficient, CO can build up to dangerous levels. Examples of possible causes are:

Poorly connected, blocked, cracked or corroded flue pipe/vent
Flue pipes/vents are designed to allow the CO produced by the appliance to vent to the outside atmosphere. If the flue is not operating correctly or is damaged, CO may leak into the property. Even if there is an annual check on the appliance/s, flues and vents remain a potential hazard.

Back drafting
Building Regulation requirements for energy efficient homes and a greater emphasis on air extraction e.g. bathroom and kitchen fans, means there is a risk of creating negative air pressure. This can cause reverse airflow through appliances resulting in dangerous levels of CO being drawn back into the property.

Cracked heat exchanger on gas central heating system
This will result in a large amount of CO leakage and is therefore a particularly dangerous possibility.

Appliances without flues
Some fuel burning appliances do not have flues. Portable heaters, cooking rings and grills are particularly vulnerable as are old appliances. Whether burning liquid gas, paraffin, natural gas or wood, each are capable of emitting dangerous levels of CO.

It's pleasing to read of the introduction of a new law within the Scottish Building Regulations that will make installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms mandatory from October. 

For many years now we have been installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms where required when installing Smoke Alarm systems and the introduction of this law is well overdue but now warmly welcomed. 

Installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms either at initial install or as a retro-fit to an existing installation is a pretty simple job where both battery operated or mains voltage alarms can be used. We would always recommend mains voltage with battery back up just for that added security of knowing the battery will not be depleted. 

Many people will think that as these alarms are associated with gas appliances then they should have a Plumber/Gas Engineer install them - that is not the case as obviously battery operated alarms if installed properly at the correct locations within rooms can easily be done by homeowners/landlords - lets hope some businesses don't see this is a money making exercise and rip off the public by taking advantage of this crucial addition to the Scottish Building Regulations.