Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The recent new law changes in Carbon Monoxide Detectors law in MA, has prompted us to add the following information to our site:

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Coan Announces Requirements for Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan wish to inform homeowners that as of March 31, 2006, CO Detectors are required in all residences with potential sources of carbon monoxide. The vast majority of homes will not be required to install hard-wired systems although, where hard-wired systems are required by regulation, the deadline is January 1, 2007. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) recently passed emergency regulations to implement the law known as "Nicole’s Law". State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, "Each year we see the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Many of these incidents are avoidable with early detection and warning as provided through this new law." Coan added, "Consumers should work with their local fire departments to educate themselves carefully on CO safety, because not all CO detectors will bring your home into compliance with these regulations."

Consumer Information The Department of Fire Services is distributing A Consumer’s Guide to Requirements for Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarms. This guide and information about the regulations can be obtained from local fire departments and on the DFS website.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also has information on common sources of carbon monoxide in the home, carbon monoxide detectors, and recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning in a pamphlet called The Invisible Killer. ( Carbon Monoxide Detectors )

General Requirements For most residential buildings with fossil fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking areas, the new regulations require Carbon Monoxide Detectors on every level of the home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors.

The regulations allow the following options for CO detectors:
• Battery operated with battery monitoring; or
• Plug-ins with battery back-up; or
• Hard-wired with battery backup; or
• Low voltage system; or
• Wireless, or
• Qualified combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

Acceptable Combination Alarms Acceptable combination smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies. The State Building Code mandates that only photoelectric smoke alarms are permitted within twenty feet of a bathroom or kitchen. Consumers are urged to check with the local fire department on whether a specific alarm meets the code requirements for anti CO poisoning.

Alternative Compliance Option Owners of larger buildings with centralized or minimal sources of carbon monoxide may wish to consider the alternative compliance option contained in the regulation.

Enforcement Fire departments are currently required to inspect smoke alarms when homes are being sold and transferred. Starting March 31, 2006 (or January 1, 2007 where hard-wired alarms are required) fire departments will now inspect all residences upon sale and transfer for carbon monoxide detectors.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)? Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic gas produced when fuel (kerosene, oil, coal, petroleum gas, and wood) is burned. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless – which makes it very hard to detect.

What are sources of CO?
• Oil, wood, or gas furnaces/boilers
• Space heaters (kerosene heaters)
• Gas or oil water heaters
• Gas stoves
• Gas dryers
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Charcoal grills
• Automobiles
• Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles, and other gas powered equipment

Common symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu.
They can include:
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscle control
• Tightening of the chest
• Convulsions
• Redness of the eyes
• Sleepiness
• Fluttering of the heart
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ear

If you suspect CO poisoning:
• Evacuate everyone immediately to fresh air.
• Call the Regional Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Call the local fire department, your oil dealer for oil-burning equipment, or your gas company for gas-burning appliances.

How can you prevent CO poisoning?
• Make sure the exhaust from your heat system is not covered by snow or leaves - especially important for "high efficiency" heat systems that may exhaust through a foundation wall with PVC pipe.
• Have your vehicle's muffler and tailpipe inspected regularly. During the winter check your tailpipe for blockage due to snow or ice.
• Never leave a car running in the garage. Never sleep in a car with the engine running.
• Repair gas powered engines (lawnmowers, snow blowers, vehicles, etc.) in a space with proper ventilation.
• Have heating appliances installed and serviced by professionals on a regular basis.
• Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home and garage.
• Clean your chimney/furnace every fall and check for blockage such as leaves or animal’s nests.
• Check if extra ventilation is needed when:
• Your home undergoes any major renovation.
• You enclose heating equipment to gain additional living space.
• Never burn charcoal in an enclosed space such as in your home, garage, or tent.
• Do not use the oven or gas range to heat your home.
• Turn off space heaters and put out the fire in the fireplace/wood stove when sleeping.

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