Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act

by Jackie Doornik

Senate Bill 183 Lowenthal (SB183) created the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Prevention Act of 2010 (Act). The Act requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
to be installed in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. A CO
detector is a device that detects the presence of CO and emits a loud noise to
alert occupants that CO is present in order to prevent CO poisoning. Detection
of CO in a home environment is impossible without a warning device because CO
is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and invisible (unlike smoke from a fire). It
is often referred to as the “silent killer”
because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology.
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Although the placement and location of carbon monoxide detectors in the home is
not clearly spelled out in the Act, the packaging of your CO detector (which
can be purchased at any home or hardware store) will provide for the proper
placement in your home of your specific device. Installation locations will
vary by manufacturer due to the degree of research conducted on that specific
type and style of detector. Read and clearly understand the instructions
specific to your unit – they are not all the same so PLEASE READ THE
INSTRUCTIONS.

Here are some general guidelines common to most manufacturers of CO devices:

• CO devices should be placed on every level of your home, including the
basement, and near or over any attached garage

• CO devices should be located within 10-15 feet outside of each separate
sleeping area

• CO devices can be placed on the wall or the ceiling as specified in the
installation instructions

• They should not be installed within 15-20 feet of any furnace or fuel
burning heat source

• They should not be placed in or near humid areas, such as bathrooms

• They should not be placed in areas where they may be damaged by children or
pets

• They should not be installed in areas of direct sunlight or areas subject
to temperature extremes. (crawlspaces, unfinished attics, porches)

• They should not be installed behind curtains or other obstructions

• They may not function if installed near ceiling fans, heat vents, air
conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows

• Life expectancy for detectors will be specific to each manufacturer’s
recommendations. Carbon monoxide detectors actually have an expiration date, so
check with the manufacturer instructions to determine how long the carbon
monoxide detector is supposed to last and maintain your specific unit
accordingly.