Important: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act
Miri Bialik
Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements
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The state of California requires carbon monoxide detectors in all homes. In May 2010, the state of California enacted a law requiring home owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. According to the California Air Resources Board, 30 to 40 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. The senate bill, also known as the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, states that those deaths were avoidable. According to the bill, the California law will help prevent further deaths and increase awareness.
2. Timeline
o Although the bill was signed into law in 2010, California residents must have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes as of July 1, 2011. This timeline applies only to single-family homes that have appliances that burn fossil fuels or homes that have attached garages or fireplaces. For all other types of housing, such as apartments and hotels, detectors should be in place as of January 1, 2013. Types of fossil fuels include wood, gas and oil.
Detector
o According to the senate bill, the detector must sound an audible warning once carbon monoxide is detected. It also must be powered by a battery, or if it is plugged in, have a battery for a backup. The detector also must be certified by national testing labs, such as the Underwriters Laboratories. The packaging on the carbon monoxide detector will state this. If the CO detector is also a smoke detector, it must still meet the above standards and must sound an alarm that is different than the smoke alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors typically can be purchased for about $20 and up.
Exemptions
o Although the law targets units that are occupied by humans, the law exempts state and local government property, as well as property owned by the University of California Regents. The law requires local jurisdictions to comply; however, they may amend their current ordinances to fall more in line with the law.
Fines
o California law states that anyone who does not comply with the law may face a $200 fine. However, residents will receive a notice of 30 days to correct any violations before they will be fined.
What Is the Correct Height for a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
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Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide can not be seen.
A carbon monoxide detector recognizes carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, tasteless and highly toxic gas. The correct height for a carbon monoxide detector is knee height on the wall. This offers protection while sleeping, which is when you are most vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. Detectors should also be hung above permanently installed fuel-burning appliances.
1. Height Considerations
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Protect your loved ones with a carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas.
Home carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in central locations outside sleeping areas. When you lie down to sleep, your head is knee high. Alarms near where you are sleeping will detect levels at head height, and you will be more likely to wake when it sounds. Waist height is also acceptable, if necessary to avoid damage by pets or children, but do not hang it where there are obstructions to
All homes should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless and odorless gas. In homes, CO is produced from the incomplete burning of fuels such as wood, natural gas and kerosene as they are used in fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, space heaters and stoves. A carbon monoxide detector can alert homeowners to the presence of dangerous levels of the gas. CO detectors resemble smoke detectors and the installation process is similar. All homes should have at least one CO detector.
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Miri Bialik DRE: 01164715
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