Fears over carbon monoxide poisoning stats – time to upgrade your landlords insurance?

A recent investigation by BBC 5 Live has revealed that official figures over the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in the UK could have been under-estimated – meaning the problem may actually much bigger than originally feared. It may well remind those in the buy to let market that getting landlords insurance that incorporates boiler cover could be a smart move that ensures the safety of their tenants.

According to the 5 Live report, many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning could be being missed because medical staff are failing to routinely test for the poisoning.

The official figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have shown a fall in the number of cases, with 117 people falling ill and four dying after an incident with the gas during 2010. The previous year saw 17 people pass away and 86 suffer poisoning.

However, the BBC radio station spoke to the Gas Safety Trust charity, which has claimed that the figures could be far higher. The non-profit body looked a pilot that involved London ambulance crews who were sent out with specialist carbon monoxide poisoning testing kits.

They recorded 83 people suffering from poisoning in the capital alone over a year-long period.

Andy Hunter, a paramedic who co-ordinated the pilot, told BBC News: "We were shocked by the numbers. We used two types of testing devices, one used on the pulse and one to test levels of carbon monoxide in the breath."

When confronted with the apparent evidence, the HSE admitted that there were underreporting in all health and safety matters.

Although there are myriad reasons why this dangerous gas can leak, badly fitted and poorly maintained boilers are one of the biggest culprits, along with faulty gas appliances and flues.

As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to make sure that these appliances are regularly serviced – at least annually – and repaired as soon as a problem occurs. This isn’t just something you should do – it’s required by law. Under the regulations, you must enlist the services of an engineer on the Gas Safe Register and give your tenants a Gas Safety Certificate to prove the work has been carried.

One way to reduce the cost of your obligations could be to get a landlords insurance policy which covers the cost of an annual service. Not all policies come with this important add-on, so keep your eyes peeled and check the small print when you’re shopping round for this type of financial product.