This initiative follows a tragedy that occurred in his town last September, where two residents lost their lives due to poisoning caused by a faulty boiler. Every year, carbon monoxide is responsible for around 100 deaths. Nearly 4,000 people are poisoned in France.
To put an end to these tragedies, an MP is proposing an automatic detection solution, like smoke detectors which have become mandatory since 2015. This measure, if adopted, would concern all homes equipped with heating, cooking or domestic hot water production appliancesregardless of the fuel used.
A carbon monoxide detector soon to be mandatory?
The bill provides specific provisions for the implementation of this obligation. For rentals, whether seasonal or long-term, the owner must ensure the presence of at least one detector during the inventory of the premises upon entry. Once installed, it is the occupant of the accommodation, whether tenant or owner, who will be responsible for the maintenance and possible renewal of the device.
The financial aspect is not negligible: the cost of a detector can vary considerably, ranging from around ten euros for the most basic models at more than 1,000 euros for the most sophisticated systems. This financial burden, which would fall to tenants according to the proposal, could give rise to debate.
This proposal is not a first. In 2014, a similar attempt failed in the National Assembly, with deputies judging the detectors to be insufficiently reliable. But Karl Olive points out that technology has progressed considerably since then: “Ten years later, research and improvement of devices have saved lives.”
Practical advice
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs mainly due to malfunctions of combustion appliances, particularly boilers, regardless of the type of fuel used. The causes can be multiple: malfunction of devices, lack of ventilation or ventilation, defective or blocked evacuation ducts.
Pending the decision of the Council of State on this proposal, experts recommend several essential preventive measures during the winter period: regularly ventilate your home, keep the air inlets clear, and scrupulously follow the instructions for using combustion appliances provided by the manufacturers.
- A bill aims to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes equipped with combustion appliances
- Installation would be the responsibility of the owners, but maintenance and renewal would be the responsibility of the occupants
- The cost can vary from 10 to more than 1,000 euros, which may cause debate
