“Doubt, indulged and cherished, is in danger of becoming denial; but if honest, and bent on thorough investigation, it may soon lead to full establishment of the truth.” Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914, bio link)
Measure combustion gas, measure ambient air, measure people for carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gas that cannot be seen. The servicing of combustion appliances by today’s informed, trained and professionally certified heating technician or fitter will include full function measurement of fuel flow and leaks, flue gas measurement that includes temperature, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. With some fuels and in some jurisdictions, the measurement of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide may be required.
Additionally the exhaust or draft pressure of the exiting combustion gases must also be verified to be within the safe range prescribed by the manufacturer of the system. The draft pressure of the appliance should also be rated and measured against the other pressure influences of the building, like a kitchen exhaust fan running or clothes dryer and any other system that can mechanically take air out of the building.
There is no way for a technician to know they have left a combustion appliance in safe operation without thoroughly testing it. The use of a multi functional combustion analyzer or a combination of test instruments can easily accomplish this task. In the days before analyzers, the rules of thumb included looking at flames to see if their shape, color and action “looked” good or decent and fit a particular shape. The instruction manuals by gas authorities still encourage the looking at flames and even inform consumers to check the color of their flame to see if it is burning ok. Ironically in the same manuals they briefly discuss carbon monoxide and use the standard language that it is odorless, tasteless and “invisible”. You can’t see carbon monoxide, it must be measured. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News links
Gas fitter cleared of carbon monoxide death
BBC News
A gas fitter is acquitted of the manslaughter of a woman killed by carbon monoxide poisoning at her west London home. The family (of deceased) now want to raise awareness about the issue. "People think 'I haven't got an old boiler' but it can happen in a brand new place, that was a shock to us."
Carbon Monoxide Concern Evacuates Starbucks
Patch.com
Fire officials unavailable for comment, but customers say there was an unusual smell and possible elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
Warning following carbon monoxide poisoning from disposable barbecue ...
Mayo Advertiser
MEP Jim Higgins has issued a warning to people to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning from barbecues.
Science and air measurement
University of Gothenburg Conducts Research on High Levels of Carbon Dioxide
AZoCleantech
The oceans absorbed almost half the emission of carbon dioxide from combustion of fossil fuels till 1994. The ocean capacity to absorb carbon dioxide begins to fall as the level of carbon dioxide in the oceans increase.
· 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.
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
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
