AWS Announces Annual Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing on Caravans

The Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) is to test Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms annually on caravans and motorhomes from now, the organisation has announced.

The AWS will test for the killer gas using a calibrated gas test system which will know if the alarm is working or not.

Recent highly publicised deaths from CO poisoning have made the public aware of the dangers of not having a working alarm in your house, caravan, motorhome or boat. Around 40 people die in the UK of CO poisoning and 200 people are hospitalised a year, according to ROSPA.

Since 2010, the National Caravan Council requires that all newly-built caravans and motorhomes come fitted with a CO alarm. But, according to the AWS, carbon monoxide alarms don't have a great reputation for outliving their warranties, and they are prone to failure.

Owners of CO alarms may not realise the testing button on the device only tests the circuit, but not the sensor.

The AWS uses a device, Detectagas®, to test CO alarms. John Stones, Founder and Managing Director of Gas Safe Europe Ltd, who make the Detectagas, said:

"Detectagas® enables users to test CO alarms by generating a safe, controlled and sufficient amount of CO directly into the alarm. It is a simple test that takes only 2-3 minutes and yet can save lives."

All AWS technicians now must carry out CO alarm test which includes testing the sensor.

Detectagas is available on Amazon for around £30 per can