Carbon monoxide safety "down to individuals"

Anyone embarking on a self build has an opportunity to start a property from scratch and install a variety of measures that safeguard themselves and their family.

One of the most important precautions is to purchase a carbon monoxide alarm and ensure that in the future all appliances are regularly serviced by qualified professionals, according to celebrity property expert Kirstie Allsopp and the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance.

Ms Allsopp said that it is "down to individuals to safeguard themselves and their family".

The Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society has revealed that there were nearly 500 fatalities linked to carbon monoxide poisoning between September 1st 1995 and February 29th 2008, which equates to around 40 deaths every year.

Both fire and carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted to a self build home as soon as the ceilings and walls have been plastered and are dry, according to aselfbuild.co.uk.