Cooperative Living October 2016 - 24

SafetySense
Installing & Using Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
I
t's the time of year when we set our
clocks back an hour and are reminded to
check the batteries in our home's smoke
detectors. While you're at it,
consider installing a carbon
monoxide (CO) detector.
CO is a poisonous
The International
gas produced when
any fuel is
incompletely
burned because of
insufficient
oxygen. When
fuel-burning
appliances are not
properly ventilated
or not burning
properly, the amount
of this colorless,
odorless and tasteless gas
can rise to dangerous levels.
CO poisoning can be fatal because its
Association of Fire Chiefs
indicator, digital versions also offer a
readout of the CO concentration, in parts
per million. Typically, they'll have a display
of both the current reading and a
peak reading from memory
of the highest level
measured over a
period of time.
The digital
recommends installing a CO
detector on every floor
of your home, including
the basement.
molecules readily combine with
hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying agent in
the red blood cells. When oxygen is
robbed from the brain and other organs,
death can result. Many cases of reported
carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that
victims are aware they are not well but
become so disoriented they are unable to
save themselves. Even if they survive, up
to 40 percent of those who experience
severe CO poisoning develop memory
impairment and other serious illnesses.
The International Association of Fire
Chiefs recommends installing a CO
detector on every floor of your home,
including the basement. A detector should
be located within 10 feet of each bedroom
door and near or over any attached garage.
If you only install one detector, locate it
near bedrooms, where it can wake
occupants who may be asleep.
When carbon monoxide detectors were
introduced into the market, they had a
limited lifespan of about two years.
However, thanks to technology
developments, many manufacturers now
advertise that their detectors will last for
five or more years.
Although all home detectors use an
audible alarm signal as the primary
22 | Cooperative Living | October 2016
models offer the
advantage of
being able to
observe levels
that are below the
alarm threshold,
learn about levels
that may have
occurred during an
absence, and assess the
degree of hazard if the alarm
sounds. They may also aid
emergency responders in evaluating the
level of past or ongoing exposure or
danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Battery-only carbon monoxide detectors
tend to go through batteries more quickly
than expected, so try to purchase plug-in
detectors with a battery backup for use if
the power is interrupted. CO detectors are
also available as system-connected,
monitored devices that are monitored
by a central station. In case the
residence is empty, the residents are
sleeping or occupants are already
suffering from the effects of CO, the
central station can be alerted to the high
concentrations of CO gas and can send
the proper authorities to investigate
possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Should the alarm on your CO detector
sound, immediately move to a location
that has fresh air. Do a head count to be
sure all persons are accounted for, and
then call the fire department. Do not reenter
the premises until it has been aired
out and the problem corrected.
Taking time to understand the
characteristics of CO and how carbon
monoxide detectors work could help save
your life and those of your loved ones. 
Source: www.homesafe.com
www.co-opliving.com
Learning how carbon
monoxide detectors work
could help save your life and
those of your loved ones.
Common sources
of carbon monoxide
and how to detect them
Venting and fan systems on fuelburning
appliances should be
inspected for proper installation to
assure that carbon monoxide is being
vented out rather than in. This includes
gas-powered water heaters, clothes
dryers, space heaters and woodburning
stoves.
For natural-gas appliances with a
pilot light or ignition system, a
predominately yellow, flat, lazy-looking
flame indicates fuel is not burning
efficiently and is thus releasing higherthan-usual
levels of carbon monoxide.
Oil furnaces with a similar
problem produce an oil odor. Since
both gas and oil furnaces are
frequently the source of carbon
monoxide leaks, before heating
season have a qualified inspector
check the filters and filtering systems
for dirt and blockages, and the
combustion chamber and heat
exchanger for cracks, holes, metal
fatigue or corrosion.
In a closed-up home, stove pilot
lights can be a source of carbon
monoxide buildup if not operating
properly because they are not vented
to the outside. Extinguish them if you'll
be away for long periods.
Inspect fireplaces for soot and
debris that impair the venting of
dangerous gases, as well as bends or
blockages that could force carbon
monoxide back into your home.
Never burn charcoal inside or use
your gas stove as a heater. Keep the
oven door closed and use it for
cooking only.
Never leave a car running in an
attached garage, even if the garage
door is open.
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Cooperative Living October 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living October 2016
