The Health and Safety Service have written a new Schools Guidance document to explain the dangers of Carbon Monoxide Guidance exposure and how to prevent it. The Guidance includes how to maintain appliances, detection, and Premises manager’s responsibilities.
Schools provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and organisations such as the Gas Safe Charity have resources to use: Get Gas Safe for Schools.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently reported that a Scottish Council was fined following carbon monoxide leak at a primary school. East Dunbartonshire Council pleaded guilty following the incident at Balmuildy Primary School in February 2020. A number of staff and pupils attending the school on 19 February 2020 reported feeling ill, experiencing symptoms such as headaches and nausea. Throughout the day, several pupils were sent home and staff had to take medication to relieve symptoms. The following day, testing for a gas leak revealed high levels of carbon monoxide present in areas of the school. The building was immediately evacuated.
An investigation by the HSE, in conjunction with Gas Safe Register investigators, found that one of the two auxiliary gas boilers present at the site was leaking carbon monoxide into the boiler room and the school buildings. The investigation found this was due to a lack of maintenance.
Had the faults with the boiler been found prior to the incident through the required routine maintenance, it would have been classed as immediately dangerous in line with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GUSP). This would have necessitated the disconnection of the gas boiler until the boiler was repaired for further use. The HSE provides free guidance to duty holders: Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances (PDF). The guidance states that effective maintenance of appliances usually involves an ongoing programme of regular/periodic inspections, together with any necessary remedial work.
In the absence of specific manufacturers’ instructions, effective maintenance should include as a minimum:
- examination of the physical condition and safe functioning of appliance(s)
- installation pipework
- ventilation and any flue for deterioration
- carrying out performance tests and
- taking the necessary remedial action.
East Dunbartonshire Council, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The Council was fined £13,333 plus a victim surcharge of £999.98 at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 20 March 2025.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Stuart Easson, said: “Although nobody suffered any serious adverse effects during this incident, we hope that this prosecution demonstrates that HSE will not hesitate to take action and that failures of this nature are simple not acceptable.”
Learn more:
Carbon Monoxide Guidance
Council fined following carbon monoxide leak at primary school – HSE Media Centre
Health & Safety Executive: Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances
Awareness Program: Think CO | Gas Safety Charity
All Somerset Council Guidance
