IMPACTED DWELLINGS
New Construction (KY Residential Code, 2007)
Newly constructed one and two family dwellings, townhouses, R-2, R-3 and R-4 occupancies within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Permitted Dwellings (KY Building Code, 2007)
Where work requiring a permit occurs within existing one and two family dwellings, townhouses, and R-2, R-3 and R-4 occupancies equipped with fuel-fired appliance(s) or an existing dwelling that has attached garage(s), the permitting authority shall inform the homeowner/occupant that carbon monoxide alarms are required to be installed.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic invisible gas. It is the product of the incomplete combustion (burning) of wood and fossil fuels such as home heating fuel oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene and coal. Major sources of CO in homes are from fuel burning (not electric) heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas clothing dryers and a vehicle running in a closed garage. When these appliances are not properly maintained or properly vented to a chimney, CO can build up in a building. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas. Breathing CO (resulting in CO poisoning) is harmful and can be fatal. The warning signs of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.
WHEN MUST CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
- Effective - March 6, 2011
- Mandatory Enforcement - June 1, 2011
WHAT TYPES OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS ARE REQUIRED?
Approved Alarms
Single station carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with UL 2034. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. AC/DC hardwire, AC/DC plug-in and DC only.
WHERE SHOULD CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
Installation
CO alarms must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
WHAT ARE THE CODES?
Kentucky Residential Code, 2007 – amended to add Section R325 – CO Alarms.
Kentucky Building Code, 2007 – amended to add Section 914 – CO Alarms.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ: This information is a summary interpretation of amendments to the Kentucky Residential Code, 2007 and Kentucky Building Code, 2007 and was prepared as general reference material ONLY. This summary is NOT authoritative. For your specific compliance requirements, please refer to the actual language of the Kentucky Residential Code, 2007 and Kentucky Building Code, 2007 by logging onto http://dhbc.ky.gov/ or consult legal counsel.
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