Filed under: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Home Safety, rentals | Tags: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Home Safety
The State Fire Marshall has just released the PERMANENT ADMINISTRATIVE RULES for carbon monoxide alarms and detectors as directed by House Bill 3540, 2009 Legislative Assembly. The new permanent rules become effective December 28, 2010.
RULE SUMMARY
The purpose of these rules is to establish minimum standards for the design, inspection, testing, placement and location and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms and detectors in one and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, and multifamily housing in existing structures prior to conveyance of fee title or transfer possession under land sales contract and rental property agreement.
DIVISION 47
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors
837-047-0100
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of these rules is to establish minimum standards for the design, inspection, testing, placement and location and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms in one and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, and multifamily housing.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0110
Definitions
“Attached garage” means a garage with a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft communicating directly with or connected to a living space and does not include:
1) A carport;
2) An open parking garage; or
3) An enclosed parking garage ventilated in accordance with Section 404 of the State Mechanical Code.
“Bedroom” means a room designed or intended for sleeping.
“Carbon monoxide alarm” means a device that:
1) (a) Detects carbon monoxide;
(b) Produces a distinctive audible alert when carbon monoxide is detected;
(c) Is listed by Underwriters Laboratories as complying with ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075 or any other nationally recognized testing laboratory or an equivalent organization; and
(d) Operates as a distinct unit, as two or more single station units wired to operate in conjunction with each other or as part of a system that includes carbon monoxide detectors.
2) For the purposes of these rules, “carbon monoxide detectors that are part of a system that produces a distinctive audible alert and are listed as complying with ANSI/UL 2075 shall be considered carbon monoxide alarms.
“Carbon monoxide source” means:
(a) A heater, fireplace, furnace, appliance, or cooking source that uses coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels that emit carbon monoxide as a by-product of combustion. Petroleum products include, but are not limited to, kerosene, natural gas, or propane.
(b) An attached garage with a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft that communicates directly with a living space.
“Dwelling unit” means: A structure or the part of a structure that is used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one person who maintains a household or by two or more persons who maintain a common household.
“Landlord” means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the rental dwelling unit or the building or premises of which it is a part. “Landlord” includes but is not limited to a person who is authorized by the owner, lessor, or subleasor to manage the premises or to enter into a rental agreement.
“Manufactured Dwelling” means a dwelling as defined in ORS 446.
“Multifamily housing” means a building, excluding townhouses, in which three or more residential dwelling units each have space for eating, living, sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation.
“Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory” means a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) that is U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) accredited to test and certify to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
“One and two family dwelling” means a residential building that is regulated under the state building code as a one and two family dwelling and includes a townhouse.
“Owner” includes a duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser, devisee, fiduciary, lessor or sublessor and/or a person having a vested or contingent interest in the property in question.
“Person” means one or more individuals, legal representatives, partnerships, joint ventures, associations, corporations (whether or not organized for profit), business trusts, or any organized group of persons and includes the state, state agencies, counties, municipal corporations, school districts, and other public corporations or subdivisions.
“State Fire Marshal” means the State Fire Marshal appointed under ORS 476.020 and the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal and Deputy State Fire Marshals appointed by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.040.
“Townhouse” means a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units in which each extends from the foundation to the roof and at least two sides abut open space.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0120
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
(1) Properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms shall be required when:
(a) A person conveys fee title to a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(b) A person transfers possession under a land sale contract of a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
c) A person transfers ownership of a manufactured dwelling containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(d) A landlord enters into a rental agreement for a dwelling unit containing a carbon monoxide source on or after July 1, 2010.
(2) By April 1, 2011, every rental dwelling unit subject to these rules must contain properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0130
Installation and Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors
(1) All carbon monoxide alarms or detectors must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended instructions and located in accordance with these rules and applicable building code at the time of construction or alteration of the dwelling.
(2) One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Dwellings:
A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms.
(3) Multi Family Housing:
(a) A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door in dwelling units containing a carbon monoxide source or are connected to a common area containing a carbon monoxide source. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms.
(b) A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any enclosed common area within the building if the common area is connected by a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft to a carbon monoxide source located within or attached to the structure.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0135
EXEMPTION:
A landlord who rents a space for a manufactured dwelling or who rents moorage space for a floating home as defined in ORS 830.700, but does not rent the manufactured dwelling home or floating home is exempt from these rules.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0140
Power Source
Carbon monoxide alarms must be battery operated or receive their primary power source from the building wiring with a battery back-up. Plug in devices must have a battery back-up.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0150
Testing and Maintenance of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms and systems must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0160
Rental Dwelling Units Subject to ORS Chapter 90
(1) Effective July 1, 2010, before a landlord transfers possession of a dwelling unit subject to these rules to a tenant, the landlord must:
(a) Install a properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm;
(b) Provide working batteries if a carbon monoxide alarm is battery operated or has a battery operated backup system; and
(c) Provide the new tenant with alarm testing instructions.
(2) If the landlord receives written notice from the tenant of a deficiency of a carbon monoxide alarm, other than dead batteries, the landlord must repair or replace the alarm.
(3) A tenant must test, at least every six months, and replace batteries as needed in any carbon monoxide alarm provided by the landlord and notify the landlord in writing of any operating deficiencies.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
837-047-0170
Tampering with a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Prohibited
A person may not remove or tamper with a carbon monoxide alarm installed in accordance with these rules. Tampering includes removal of working batteries.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Secretary of State
Certificate and Order for Filing
PERMANENT ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
Office of State Fire Marshal, Division 47
Agency and Division
Administrative Rules Chapter Number 837
Filed under: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, Uncategorized | Tags: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Chris Hermanski, Home Safety
Updated November 2010
CARBON MONOXIDE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is carbon monoxide?
It is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, charcoal, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene and methane burn incompletely
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels producing carbon monoxide
Products and equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers produce carbon monoxide
Operating equipment inside an attached garage increases the risk of introduction of carbon monoxide into a living space
What are the risk factors of carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide fumes are dangerous and may be deadly. Especially at risk are:
Unborn babies
Infants
Older adults
People who smoke
People with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problem
Why should my home have carbon monoxide alarms?
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year in the United States
There are more than 10,000 injuries annually from carbon monoxide
Fuel burning home heating and cooking equipment are sources of carbon monoxide
Car exhaust in an attached garage may leak carbon monoxide into the house even with the main garage door open
Why is carbon monoxide harmful?
It displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen
The molecules attach to your red blood cells more easily than oxygen molecules, depriving oxygen from getting into the body. This may damage tissues and result in death
What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Initial symptoms are similar to the flu but without the fever:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
Skin may turn bright red
Severe symptoms include:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death
Who does what, when?
Oregon law requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed following specific House Bill 3450 implementation dates:
JULY 1, 2010 – Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Administrative Rules effective date
JULY 1, 2010 – For all new rental agreements, landlords must provide properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms for rental dwelling units with, or within a structure containing, a carbon monoxide source
APRIL 1, 2011 – Landlords must provide properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms for all rental dwelling units with, or within a structure containing a carbon monoxide source
APRIL 1, 2011 – Home sellers of one-and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, or multifamily housing units containing a carbon monoxide source must have one or more properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms before conveying fee title or transferring possession of a dwelling
APRIL 1, 2011 – Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new construction or a structure that undergoes reconstruction, alteration or repair for which a building permit is required, and is identified in the structural specialty code as a residential Group R structure.(for new construction and reconstruction go to Oregon Buildings Codes http://www.cbs.state.or.us/bcd/committees/11orsc.html)
Temporary Administrative Rules are in effect July 1, 2010 – December 28, 2010.
Permanent carbon monoxide Administrative Rules go into effect December 28, 2010.
What is a carbon monoxide alarm?
Detects carbon monoxide
Produces a distinctive audible alert when carbon monoxide is detected
Must comply with ANSI/UL 2034 or 2075 or other nationally recognized testing laboratory
May be a separate stand alone unit or part of a detection and alarm system
What types of carbon monoxide alarms are available?
Carbon monoxide only alarms: Activated by carbon monoxide
May be battery-operated, plug-in, or hard-wired
Battery back-up is recommended for plug-in and hardwired alarms
Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide
Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms must comply with ANSI/UL 217 and ANSI/UL 2034
Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors must comply with ANSI/UL 268 and ANSI/UL 2075
Ionization smoke/carbon monoxide alarms: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
‘Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm’
A lower case letter ‘i’ for ionization and the word ‘ionization’
The phrase ‘contains radioactive material’
NOTE: These alarms do not require a 10-year battery
Photoelectric smoke/carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide. These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
‘smoke and carbon monoxide alarm’
a capital letter ‘P’ for photoelectric and the word ‘photoelectric’
Photoelectric smoke/carbon monoxide with voice alarm: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide. An audible voice tone speaks the type and location of danger in your home, when programmed. These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
A capital letter ‘P’ and the word ‘photoelectric’
‘Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm’
Explosive gas & carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by carbon monoxide, propane or natural/methane gas. These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
‘Explosive gas and carbon monoxide alarm’ on the front of the alarm
What is the difference between ionized and photoelectric?
Ionization smoke detectors feature a radioactive source within a dual detection chamber. Ionization alarms sense an unseen change in the electrical conductivity
Ionization detectors sense smoke invisible to the human eye
Photoelectric detectors respond to visible by-products of combustion
When enough visible combustibles are present, the detector sounds an alarm
May I modify my hard-wired smoke alarm system for a combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm?
You may replace a hardwired smoke alarm for a hardwired battery back-up smoke/carbon monoxide combination alarm
Switching from one manufacturer’s unit to another requires a power adapter plug
Manufacturers advise adapter plugs may be changed using wire nuts and may require a qualified electrician
Where do I install carbon monoxide alarms?
On each level of your home with sleeping areas
In each bedroom or within 15 feet outside each sleeping area
Install alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Do the current rules require a carbon monoxide alarm in each sleeping area?
No, but it is still a recommended best practice to have them in both the bedroom and within 15 feet outside the bedroom
The law requires a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home with sleeping areas and within 15 feet of each sleeping area
However, ductwork from sources often goes directly to bedrooms, bypassing hallways outside of sleeping areas
I understand the rules provide minimum requirements. What other recommendations are there for placement of carbon monoxide alarms?
Securely fasten plug in devices to the structure.
Install a CO alarm in every room containing a carbon monoxide source, except a garage intended for parking vehicles.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm system in multi-family dwellings in any enclosed common area within the building if the common area is connected to:
Carbon monoxide source located or attached to the structure; and
A dwelling unit.
Where should carbon monoxide alarms NOT be installed?
Garages and kitchens
Extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas
Direct sunlight or areas prone to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces such as ventilated attics, basement, and crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches
In electrical outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions
In turbulent air such as near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the sensors
Directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a trace amount of carbon monoxide only upon start-up
Within 15 feet of heating and cooking appliances, or in or near, very humid areas such as bathrooms
How often do I replace my carbon monoxide alarm?
Most carbon monoxide alarms have a five year limited warranty
Manufacturers recommend replacing alarms five years from date of production
How do I keep my carbon monoxide alarm working?
Test alarms monthly
Vacuum alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs
Never disconnect or remove alarm batteries for other use
For battery operated, replace the 9-volt or AA batteries at least once per year
Carbon monoxide alarms are not required to have a 10-year battery
Carbon monoxide/smoke combination alarms are not required to have a 10-year battery
What should I do when the carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
Don’t ignore the alarm! It is intended to warn household members before they experience symptoms
Silence the alarm
Move everyone outside to fresh air and call for help from a fresh air location:
If anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1
If no one has symptoms, ventilate the building and contact a qualified service technician
Have all home equipment powered by fuels such as gas, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, or methane inspected by a qualified technician
Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in
For more information on Oregon’s carbon monoxide law, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/CommEd_CO_Program.shtml or call 503-934-8228
Additional references:
CARBON MONOXIDE in Oregon Statutes at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Codes/COStatutes.pdf
For Landlords:
Metro Multifamily Housing Association
921 SW Washington Suite 772
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-4533
For Homebuilders:
Oregon Home Builders Association
375 Taylor Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-378-9066
Oregon Association. of Realtors:
2110 Mission Street SE, Suite 310
Salem, OR 97308
503-362-3645
For Adult Foster Home Program:
Connie Rush DHS-Seniors and People with Disabilities
500 Summer St. NE E12 Salem, OR 97301-1073 800-232-3020
Building Codes Division:
P.O. Box 14470
Salem, OR 97309-0404
503-378-4133
Information provided by:
Office of State Fire Marshal
4760 Portland Road NE
Salem, OR 97305-1760
(503) 378-3473
Fax (503) 373-1825 fax
TTY (503) 390-4661
E-mail: Oregon.sfm@state.or.us
www.Oregon.gov/OSP/SFM
Filed under: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, General, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, rentals | Tags: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Chris Hermanski, Home Safety, rentals
Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Proper Placement of Carbon Monoxide CO Detectors Important
//
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Proper placement of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is important, reminds the makers of home-safety and security website HomeSafe.com (http://www.homesafe.com/coalert).
Each fall the sad news of another family that has one or more of its family members perish in their sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning repeats itself.
The real tragedy is that these deaths can be prevented if the family had the chimney checked and/or installed carbon monoxide detectors near the sleeping and living areas within the house.
If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Homeowners should remember not to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.
When considering where to place a carbon monoxide detector, keep in mind that although carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air (carbon monoxide’s specific gravity is 0.9657, as stated by the EPA; the National Resource Council lists the specific gravity of air as one), it may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as home heating equipment. If this is the case, carbon monoxide will rise with the warmer air.
Installation locations vary by manufacturer. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with each one’s specific detector. Therefore, make sure to read the provided installation manual for each detector before installing.
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention and to find top-rated CO detectors for your home, visit the CO ALERT at http://www.homesafe.com/coalert.
