“In all science, error precedes the truth, and it is better it should go first than last.” Hugh Walpole (1884-1941, bio link)
Buildings are being prepared for winter in many places
Cooler nights and mornings have arrived in some places prompting people to close their homes up a little tighter and to begin the use of heating devices. One of the heating devices you use all year may be a gas water heater and the building being closed up may activate competing building pressures. Special care and testing should be completed to ensure the common, natural drafting appliance has proper combustion air, vent material and size, clearances to combustibles and does not “reverse” or go backwards when exhausting combustion gases.
Often times, the tighter the home or building, the more pressure differences exist within the space where people and appliances both use the same air. Building tightness testing with a Blower Door and draft testing of the vented water heater combustion gases with a differential manometer are two of several steps that can also help with the performance testing of this appliance. These Category I, or non-positive pressure vent systems can be affected by building tightness and competing building pressures. Get to “know the building” that the appliance is located in.
Working carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping and living areas are recommended. You may need more than one. It is also recommended to have at least one low level CO alarm to alert you to levels before you and others may become ill.
If you haven’t had your furnace performance tested and serviced yet, call to make an appointment. This time of year good shops have a waiting list already. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News Links
Schedule of events Events planned in memory of 5 who died last year in Clarksville RV gas poisoning
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
Members of the community will join together in Clarksville to remember the five members of Bikers Who Care who died of carbon monoxide poisoning inside of an RV last year. The three men and two women were at the Clarksville Speedway celebrating after ...
Victoria Mall evacuated after carbon monoxide leak
Victoria Advocate
The mall closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays. "When we got on scene and began investigating, we discovered carbon monoxide coming from an area where some construction is being done," Bayer said. Maintenance and security workers in the mall were evacuated.
School AIMS to clear the air, ease concerns
Hampton Union
HAMPTON FALLS — A small group of parents voiced concerns regarding air quality at Lincoln Akerman School during the most recent meeting of the Hampton Falls School Board. The group, however, was assured that the district has been working diligently ...
Air pollution linked to pregnancy condition
Yale Daily News
The researchers measured nitrogen dioxide levels at a total of 22 sites around Perth, and then used a land use regression model based on the time of year and the traffic volume to predict past levels of nitrogen dioxide in those locations. The study ...
Upcoming CO Safety Training Programs; Bob Dwyer CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
October 16 - Overland Park, KS
October 25 - Colorado Springs, CO
November 1 - Fargo, ND
· Heart Rescue Now This link takes you to a very short video that is a practical demonstration on the proper usage of an AED. This video is tastefully done & demonstrates the step-by-step way one might be able to save a life.
· Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.
· Carbon Monoxide Survivor
A website made by poisoning survivors that brings a view that can only come from those that know what it is like to have been poisoned - as well as live with the long term impact.
· Consider low level protection for carbon monoxide and smoldering fire detection problems; don't leave anyone behind.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-five U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia
Google Maps to reference the locations referenced in these Internet headlines.
The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece Instruments
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
