SPONSORED: Workers and customers put at risk as 36% of SME businesses fail to install carbon monoxide alarms

British Gas is calling on small businesses to install a carbon monoxide alarm to protect workers and customers from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The business energy supplier teamed up with YouGov to survey senior managers with responsibility for energy at Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). More than one third (36%) of those surveyed said a carbon monoxide alarm was not fitted on all of their business’ premises.

Vincent Thomas, field service engineer at British Gas Business, said: “Many people focus on the dangers of carbon monoxide at home, but it’s equally serious when it leaks into a business’ premises.”

In September 2015, research from British Gas and YouGov found that one in five SME businesses surveyed had experienced gas health and safety issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks, at their current or previous business premises.

British Gas is contacting SME customers to remind them of the dangers of carbon monoxide and offer to them a free carbon monoxide alarm when purchasing certain Careplan packages between 12 May and July 22. Careplan provide repair and maintenance for heating and gas appliances.

Source: YouGov. Online sample. 1^st-9^th September 2015. 509 SME senior managers with electric/gas supply responsibility and gas boiler/ heating system on business premises”