CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM LAW
Maryland now requires the installation of certain carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside of each sleeping area within certain dwellings or, under certain circumstances, within a certain distance from carbon monoxide–producing fixtures and equipment within certain dwellings; establishing certain standards for the required carbon monoxide alarm; prohibiting a person from rendering a carbon monoxide alarm inoperable with a certain exception; clarifying that this Act does not prevent a county or municipal corporation from enacting more stringent requirements relating to carbon monoxide alarms; requiring that a certain disclosure form include certain information about a carbon monoxide alarm under certain circumstances; defining certain terms; and generally relating to carbon monoxide alarms. Below is information on carbon monoxide (CO) and the requirements of the new law.
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.
WHAT DOES THE NEW CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM LAW REQUIRE?
Newly constructed dwellings (includes one or two family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, hotels, motels, or dormitories) that rely on the combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation, hot water or clothes dryer operation are required to install carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside of each sleeping area.
WHEN MUST CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
Enforcement of the carbon monoxide alarm law occurred on January 1, 2008.
WHAT TYPES OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS ARE REQUIRED?
Carbon monoxide alarms must bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory approved by the office of the State Fire Marshal and be wired into an alternating current (AC) powerline with secondary battery backup.
WHERE SHOULD CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
Carbon monoxide alarms can be installed on walls or ceilings (CO is approximately the same density as air) in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 720 standard. CO alarms should not be placed in areas likely to be damaged by children or pets.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATES?
If you know which unit is causing the problem, open windows, shut off the fuel supply to the unit and call a service company to have the unit repaired. If you do not know the cause of the activation of the alarm, remove everyone from the house and call the Fire Department (911).
FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO CARBON MONOXIDE LAW
Visit www.knowaboutco.comfor more information.