A look at Carbon Monoxide (CO) in Residential Buildings
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood have insufficient air to burn completely. This can happen in any appliance or device that burns these fuels such as a stove, furnace, fireplace, hot water heater, vehicle engine, portable generator.
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. In high concentrations, CO can be fatal.
When are CO alarms required to be installed within an apartment building?
A CO alarm is required to be installed adjacent to each sleeping area within the apartment suite:
If a fuel-burning appliance or a fireplace is installed in the apartment suite.
If an apartment suite shares a common wall or floor/ceiling assembly with a garage.
If an apartment suite shares a common wall or floor/ceiling assembly with a service room containing a fuel-burning appliance.
A CO alarm is required to be installed in the service room:
If the apartment building’s service room contains a fuel-burning appliance. This is designed to protect workers and employees within service rooms of the dangers of CO.
Where to Install CO Alarms?
The location of CO alarms must be adjacent to all sleeping areas of the suite of residential occupancy. In buildings where each suite does not have a fire-burning appliance or fireplace CO alarms must be installed only those suites that share a common wall or floor/ceiling assembly with a service room containing a fuel-burning appliance, or storage garages. CO alarms must be installed inside service rooms containing a fuel-burning appliance.
CO alarms should NOT be installed in the following locations:
Temperature may drop below 4.4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) or exceed 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Near paint thinner fumes or household cleaning products. Proper ventilation is necessary when using these types of chemicals.
Within 1.5m (5 feet) of any cooking or open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces.
In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys.
In close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the alarm.
Why are CO alarms required to be installed adjacent to sleeping areas in the home?
Proper placement of a CO alarm is important. The CO alarm must be located adjacent to all sleeping areas of the home to increase the likelihood that sleeping occupants will hear the alarm if it goes off. The fire code requires that the CO alarm must be audible even through a closed door of a sleeping area.
At what height should CO alarms be installed?
Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. Hence CO alarms may be installed at any height. However, if a combination smoke/CO alarm is used, it must be installed on or near the ceiling as per manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure that it can detect smoke effectively.
Do CO alarms sound different from smoke alarms?
Yes. CO alarms sound different from smoke alarms when they activate. It's important to become familiar with the operation of the audible CO alarm to be able to distinguish it from a low-battery warning and end-of-life warning, for both CO and smoke alarms. The manufacturer's instruction manual should be consulted to obtain further information on the characteristics of the audible signals for each device.
Who is responsible for installing CO alarms in rental apartments?
The landlord is responsible for installation of CO alarms.
Who is responsible for maintenance and testing of CO alarms in rental apartments?
The landlord is responsible for maintenance and testing of CO alarms. The landlord is also responsible for providing CO alarm maintenance instructions to the tenant.
Who is responsible for installation and maintenance of CO alarms in residential condominium suites?
The owner of the condominium suite is responsible for installation and maintenance of CO alarms in the suite. In some cases if an agreement exists between the owner and the condominium corporation, the corporation takes on this responsibility on behalf of the owner.
If the owner rents out the condominium suite to a tenant, the suite owner is responsible for installation and maintenance of CO alarms.
Tenants must notify the landlord when they become aware that a CO alarm in their unit is disconnected, not operating, or its operation is impaired. Tenants must not disable CO alarms.
How often must CO alarms be tested?
CO alarms must be tested annually, after the battery is replaced and after every change in tenancy. CO alarms that are connected to an electrical circuit must be tested after any change is made to the electrical circuit.
How is a CO alarm test performed?
By activating the test feature as described in the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Are records of CO alarm testing required?
Yes. If the code requires tests, corrective measure, or operational procedures to be carried out then records must be kept for at least two years, for examination by the Chief Fire Official.
Building Fire Safety Plans
Your residential building fire safety plan must be kept up to date - current to the last 12 months. The fire safety plan should also list both the locations of fuel burning appliances, and the locations of installed CO Alarms and CO DEtection Systems.
For more information, or assistance with your high-rise fire safety program, let us know, we would love to assist and support your fire code compliance.
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Fire, Life Safety & Emergency Management