“Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.” Eric Hoffer (1902-1983, bio link)
A look at a few carbon monoxide alarm standards
U.L. 2034 and CSA 6.19 (United States & Canada)
· 30 PPM CO and under, no visual display allowed,
· 30+ PPM CO – 70 PPM visual display allowed, no alarm test point
· 70+ PPM CO and under 150 PPM of CO; test point, resist one hour but must alarm in four hours.
· 150+ PPM CO and under 400 PPM of CO; test point, resist alarming for 10 minutes but must alarm before 50 minutes.
· 400+ PPM CO and higher; test point, resist alarming for four minutes but must alarm before 15 minutes.
The European Standard - EN50291 For Carbon Monoxide Alarms
· 30 PPM CO, the alarm must resist for at least 120 minutes when over this level
· 50 PPM CO, the alarm must resist for the first 60 minutes but must activate before 90 minutes
· 100 PPM CO, the alarm must resist for the first 10 minutes but must activate before 40 minutes
· 300 PPM CO, the alarm must activate within 3 minutes
There are some safety benefits in the European Standard - EN50291 For Carbon Monoxide Alarms over the U.L. 2034 and CSA 6.19 Standards for Carbon Monoxide Alarms include:
· Permitted to visually display any level of CO (U.L. & CSA listed units are not allowed to display under 30 PPM)
· Allowed to alarm above 30 PPM if level remains after 2 hours
· Near immediate warnings (immediate detection & response) are permitted above 300 PPM. (U.L. & CSA listed units must resist alarming for 10 minutes, but must alarm after one hour.)
There are news stories found within the archives of this blog that reveal the following list of symptoms and some others, were experienced by those victims who were glad they had a carbon monoxide alarm that alerted them to the poisoning, but note that there were illness symptoms experienced prior to the alarm sounding, anywhere from hours, to months, to years. Please reference Carbon Monoxide Survivor.
Don’t ignore those symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning that include headache, confusion, nausea, depression, weakness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, heart distresses and vomiting. Ask to be tested for carbon monoxide poisoning. These are some of the known symptoms.
Protect yourself and others from CO poisoning after you decide when you’d like to begin protection. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News links
Millbury Fire Dept.: Check Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Daily Voice
MILLBURY, Mass. — The Millbury Fire Department has seen a recent rash of carbon monoxide detectors giving a false alarms. This could be the result of detectors reaching the end of their useful lives, according to Asst. Fire Chief Rich Hamilton, who ...
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week continues as figures show up to 11000 gas ...
Insideireland.ie
Carbon Monoxide Awareness week continues with some important advice, while the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors of Ireland, APHCI, say up to 11,000 gas boilers were illegally installed last year and subject to no regulation, with no ...
Be aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide
CJOB
As the heating season approaches, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is reminding citizens to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is released when heating oil, gasoline, diesel, ...
Donation to aid fire safety awareness
InsideHalton.com
The Milton Fire Department (MFD) has received a $2,500 donation from Union Gas that will be dedicated toward carbon monoxide education and safety. MFD will use the donation from Union Gas in conjunction with upcoming Fire Prevention Week (October 7 ...
· 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.
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 Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
