Changes to building regulations in Wales come into effect 6 January 2025, with Approved Document J (Wales) now requiring a carbon monoxide alarm to be installed in every space where a fixed combustion appliance is situated, and in every ‘high-risk’ room where a flue serving a combustion appliance passes through.

This comes following a consultation held earlier this year, with the results being shared in April.

Upcoming amendments

There are a number of key changes that are reflected in the updated Approved Document, with all carbon monoxide advice being moved to section one as the amendments now encompass all fixed combustion appliance types, not just solid fuel appliances.

1.24 stipulates that where any new or replacement fixed flued combustion appliance of any fuel has been installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide alarm must be provided. This has been amended to now encompass all fixed flued combustion appliances, including oil and gas (including LPG); not just solid fuel.

1.25 (i) requires a carbon monoxide alarm in every space (including connected spaces such as garages and loft spaces) where a fixed flued combustion appliance (including fixed flue combustion appliance used for cooking) is situated.

1.25 (ii) requires a carbon monoxide device in ‘high-risk accommodation’ where a flue serving a combustion appliance passes through.

High-risk accommodation refers to any room intended to be frequently used by occupants for living and sleeping purposes, such as a bedroom or a living room (also referred to as a principal habitable room). As homes can have a multitude of different layouts and living arrangements, high-risk accommodation may vary. It is advised that installers consult with the occupants to ascertain living arrangements and determine if a room outside the scope of the stated guidelines would be considered high-risk accommodation, taking note of the decision.

1.26 contains updated standards information. Carbon monoxide alarms must now comply with BS EN 50291-1:2018, superseding BS EN 50291:2001 compliance. Additionally, further guidance is available in BS EN 50292:2023, superseding BS EN 50292:2002.

Minor errors have also been amended in Approved Document J (Wales).

Transitional period

Whilst the changes to Approved Document J (Wales) come into effect on 6 January 2025, there are some exceptions and a transitional period.

The 2010 edition of Approved Document J (Wales) will continue to apply to building work it relates to if the building work has commenced before 6 January 2025, unless:

a building notice has been given to a local authority before 6 January 2025;

an initial notice has been given to a local authority and this has not been rejected before 6 January 2025;

An amendment notice has been given to a local authority and this has not been rejected before 6 January 2025, or;

Full plans have been deposited before 6 January 2025.

A glossary of relevant terms to the above exceptions can be found in regulation 2 of the Building Regulations 2010.

HETAS supports these amendments and the Welsh Government’s efforts to improve carbon monoxide safety. The upcoming changes will further existing measures, improving the safety of individuals with a fixed flue combustion appliance in their homes.

We have a collection of carbon monoxide safety advice, helping stove users to stay safe and spot the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: