The quickest (and easiest) answer is yes.

You're using an LPG heater which burns fuel and a side effect of this is also that the carbon is converted to CO2. This is fine, however, in an environment where oxygen becomes scarce the carbon becomes CO with all its consequent problems.

The provision of an air vent would result in a plentiful supply of O2 and reduce the production of CO to minuscule levels.

The real question here is 'do you need to install an air vent?'. I would look at your room and determine this for yourself (seek professional help if necessary). If your room/building is air tight, which is unlikely unless it's of recent construction and to the highest standards, then you would need the air vent. In other words air cannot, on its own, get into or out of the room and your heater will use up all the O2.

Two Questions:
1. Are you happy that the CO alarm is fit for purpose?
2. Is the LPG heater not a little "industrial" for heating an office in a classroom?

Paula,

You can check the documentation from the CO alarm company for a certificate. If there's none then given them a ring and enquire. I'm sure they'll no doubt supply it to you for their product.

Mick

On the other side of the coin is how much heat is this type of heater producing, into what space and who has access to setting controls?
I only ask as if an industrial type space heater the quality of air may be different without ventilation you may see a rise of respiratory tract problems etc in the mid to long term?

It would appear I have a lot of things to find out before I can take this matter further. I will gather all the information I can and then seek appropriate advice.

I really appreciate everyones help in this matter - until you ask a question, you have no idea just how much you don't know.

Once info has been gathered I will call the contractor in and then ask more appropriate questions.

Many thanks again.

P.

You may like to consider that CO2 can inhibit mental concentration at very low levels.

Another consideration is the humidity, which will rise very quickly with the heater exhausting into the rooms.

Not all problems arise with CO.....at around 10,000ppm nausea, headaches and vomiting start...with Carbon Dioxide.

Hi Paula,

I don't like these heaters as they put an agent in the gas so you can smell a gas leak and this badly affects my asthma.
We only ever used these when the electric was off and the room/office had to be occupied. We had extra guards and open windows to provide enough oxygen for combustion and to get risk of waste gas and the many molecules of water produced.
Lilian