Carbon monoxide risks and implications on maintenance-intensive fuel-burning appliances — A regulatory perspective

The harmful consequences of carbon monoxide (CO) within indoor environments is globally regarded as a safety issue. In the context of fuel-burning appliances, routine maintenance is vital to ensuring the safe equipment performance, and avoiding exposure to unacceptable levels of CO formed due to improper fuel combustion. However, the enforcement of maintenance requirements in certain locations, such as residences, could be hindered by factors including a lack of jurisdiction to enforce, or restrictions imposed by regulations, thus adding to the complexities faced by regulators in managing this risk to the public. Additionally, maintenance processes can be intensive and challenging to follow due to such considerations as cost, as well as a lack of awareness of obligations. This paper focuses on the complexities around managing the risk of failure in a regulatory context, associated with fuel-burning appliances across various locations given the aforementioned complexities. A special emphasis will be given towards the risk of CO release in residences. The paper will use actual evidence, innovative risk measurements to contextualise the unique challenges with the management of residential CO risk.