As of July 1, 2011, California joined a growing national trend to require carbon monoxide detectors in homes.
Senate Bill 183 is designed to protect you from carbon monoxide gas, dubbed the "silent killer", which kills 500 people a year and sickens 20,000 others.
California Residents
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms are now Required by law in your state.
All existing single-family dwellings that contain a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage must install CO alarms.
All other existing dwellings -multi-family- shall comply by January 1, 2013.
CO alarms must be either battery-powered or plug-in with battery backup.
CO alarms must be installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level (including basement) of a dwelling.
What is Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.
Potential Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Because Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. Initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
Symptoms of high level CO poisoning include:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death
Symptom severity is affected by CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning symptoms for the flu, which sometimes results in tragic deaths.
For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures (e.g., associated with use of generators in residential spaces), victims can rapidly become mentally confused, and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately! Leave the home and call your fire department to report your symptoms from a neighbor’s home. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
Install a CO alarm that meets current UL 2034 safety standards. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area. Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open. Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home. Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping. Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide detectors work in a similar way to smoke detectors by monitoring carbon monoxide levels in your home and sounding an alarm if elevated levels are detected. The majority of carbon monoxide detectors use one of three basic sensor types, electrolytic, colorimetric and metal oxide semiconductor sensors. All three methods produce similar results with slight variances.
Electrolytic sensors are the most sensitive and efficient; they carry a higher up-front cost
Colorimetric sensors measure the buildup of carbon monoxide gas over time; once the alarm goes off, it may take up to 48 hours to reset
Metal oxide semiconductor sensors are popular because they also detect other dangerous gases, such as chlorine bleach and silicones
Place carbon monoxide detectors at least 15 feet away from oil or gas appliances for more accurate overall readings
CO detectors and alarms can be purchased at most hardware and superstores as well as purchased online. Prices normally range from $10.00 to $75.00 depending on features.
To satisfy the requirements of the new law, alarms must be approved by the State Fire Marshal. The California State Fire Marshal’s web site maintains a
listing of carbon monoxide alarms and detectors.
California Law at a Glance
Who is affected?
Dwellings that have (i) a fossil fuel-burning heater, appliance or fireplace -i.e. gas stove or water heater- or (ii) an attached garage.
As of July 1, 2011 owners of single-family dwellings must install carbon monoxide alarms.
As of January 1, 2013 owners of multi-family dwellings must install carbon monoxide alarms.
What if I violate the Law?
Home owners in violation are provided a 30-day notice to cure the violation. However;
If the violation is not cured within 30 days, the law imposes a $200 maximum fine on owners for each violation of the installation requirements.
Perhaps more important may be the implication or presumption of negligence created by a violation of the law in any case where persons or property are injured or damaged as a result of a carbon monoxide leak.
How do I comply with the law?
To satisfy the requirements of the new law, alarms must be approved by the State Fire Marshal.
The new law is expected to be enforced through new building, apartment, and hotel construction that require an inspection. Also, home loan purchases or refinances may require similar inspections.
California Senate Bill 183
California Senate Bill 183 is available online from the State of California Government website. The bill is 17-pages and available online in PDF and html format.
If you wish to view the senate bill in pdf format but do not have a free PDF viewer, one can be downloaded from www.adobe.com. Otherwise, choose the html format to view the senate bill in html format.
A link to Senate Bill 183 is provided below
