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Carbon Monoxide
Who needs a carbon monoxide detector?
Single Family Residences.
A single family residence, heated by a forced air furnace or a boiler that burns a fossil fuel , shall have a carbon monoxide detector within forty (40) feet of all rooms used for sleeping. The carbon monoxide detector should be placed so it will be easily heard in all sleeping areas and should be installed according to manufacturers instructions.
Multiple Family Dwellings & Apartment Buildings.
A multiple family dwelling or apartment building, in which a hot water or steam boiler, that burns a fossil fuel and is located in the basement, must have one approved carbon monoxide detector installed in the room containing the central heating unit. The carbon monoxide detector should be installed according to manufacturers instructions.
Every apartment that has its own warm air heating plant (portable furnaces, space heaters, etc.) that burns a fossil fuel, shall have a carbon monoxide detector within forty (40) feet of all rooms used for sleeping. The carbon monoxide detector should be placed so it will easily be heard in all sleeping rooms and should be installed according to the manufacturers instructions.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fossel fuels (Fossil fuels shall include natural gas, coal, kerosene, oil, propane and wood etc.) Exposure to lower levels of CO over several hours can be just as dangerous as exposure to higher levels for a few minutes.
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Who is at risk?
Those most at risk are:
 Children. Elderly. People with lung or heart disease. Pregnant woman. |
Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include:
Headache. Fatigue. Sleepiness. Weakness. Nausea, Vomiting. Dizziness, Confusion. Trouble breathing. If prolonged exposure continues, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, COMA and ultimately DEATH will occur.
Do you have any of these fuel burning appliances?
Gas Furnace. Gas Water Heater. Fireplace. Wood Burning Stove. Gas Ranges or Ovens. Gas Dryers. Kerosene Heaters. Charcoal/Gas Grilles. Lawn Mowers. Chain Saws. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can occur if these appliances are improperly installed/maintained, damaged, malfunctioning or improperly used/ventilated. Furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and chimneys should be checked yearly by a professional service. This is to ensure proper function and ventilation. Yard equipment or charcoal/gas grilles should never be used or run in the home.
What to do if your CO detector goes off.
Ventilate the house and get out! As you leave, turn off fuel burning appliances if possible. Get fresh air. Call 911. Seek medical attention if you have signs & symptoms of CO poisoning. Don't go back into the building until cleared by the fire department. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
When inhaled, carbon monoxide, a tasteless, odorless gas, is easily absorbed into the blood. The gas is lethal when it replaces the amount of oxygen needed to sustain heart and brain function.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and nausea, are often dismissed as a "touch of the flu," even by doctors.
Tips:
1. Never use a vented-type heater without proper venting and flue (chimney).
2. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for the proper size heater and for its installation, maintenance and use.
3. Have it professionally installed, if possible. Have your heater installation checked by the local fire marshal, building inspector, or gas company before lighting.
4. Never use a heater that is in disrepair. Always keep your heater in proper operating condition. Turn off the heater if the burner flame looks strange, i.e., yellow flames, unsteady flames, or smoky flames.
5. Turn off the heater, ventilate the room and get into the fresh air if you feel other than normal, i.e., headache, nausea, fuzzy vision--remember CO does not have a odor and you may become unconscious before you realize there is a problem.
6. Make sure the venting system is open--a blocked vent can cause your space heater to exhaust CO into your living space. Never sleep in a room where a gas heater is burning.
7. Do not operate a gas heater in a completely 'tight' room. The heater needs a source of fresh air to operate safely and efficiently. 'Crack' a window, if needed.
For more information on Carbon Monoxide, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site.