“I cannot make the universe obey me. I cannot make other people conform to my own whims and fancies. I cannot make even my own body obey me.” Thomas Merton (1915-1968, bio link)
Safe and adequate heat requirements
Everywhere, everyone must conform to the rules of their jurisdiction.
Tips and Techniques
•The technician/engineer should have the fuel type & usage data of the consumer’s building they are servicing. It is important that each engineer dealing with a customer knows what their energy costs are. The company, with approval from the customer or landlord can acquire that information from the fuel supplier in detail to observe usage trends. Why would they want this information? A good business will want to not only assist their customer in being safe but to also have the most efficient performance of appliance function and operation; this usage data can help inform the engineer of these details and any changes that may occur during year to year servicing.
•Gas systems - Document the meter capacity and its' location relative to gas line building entry and make sure to locate main gas shut-off.
•Note outside characteristics; housing type, garage, chimney/vent, roof condition, etc. These observations may note heat loss, energy liabilities or safety and structural issues.
•At building entry, the technician will utilize a personal CO monitor and note outside levels and then levels found inside. Technician must react accordingly to the Authority Having Jurisdiction levels of action.
•The technician must total the Btu’s of all the appliances on the meter while conducting initial inspections of the appliance’s location, condition, piping & venting, thermostat and duct condition if a forced air system is in use.
•The technician will utilize test instruments calibrated to manufacturer specification to perform required measurements described in this task performance outline.
Outline of tasks performed
•Follow manufacturer specifications and all regional codes
•Constant carbon monoxide measurement while in building
•Veryify presence of working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms
•Combustion air requirements verified
•Gas pipe layout and sizing review, leak testing
•Vent condition & sizing verified
•Combustion analysis data/ appliance testing map
•Building pressure and vented appliance draft tests
•Customer education/exit interview and ambient carbon monoxide test
•Follow up from office/company representative
• Billing
Too many times appliances are installed without testing. Consumers have a trust in the servicing company and the jurisdictive bodies that monitor them. There are way too many incidences where combustion equipment is not verified. This may be compounded by the lack of inspection. In many instances the inspection does not require performance verification. In these cases consumers do not get what they are paying for. Bob Dwyer CSME, Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO News Links
Campers everywhere be aware
Warning to festival campers about carbon monoxide BBQ risk
Healthcanal.com
August is the month for music festivals, with Sunflowerfest, Electric Picnic and the Leeds and Reading festivals all taking place, providing the perfect opportunity for campers. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding festival goers of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering [sic] barbecues inside tents or caravans. “Barbecues should never be used or left inside tents or awnings once they have been lit or after they have been used – they should be disposed of safely ensuring all fire and ashes are completely extinguished.
“It is essential that people take care when using barbecues and ensure that they are safe and used in properly ventilated spaces. Anyone who suspects they are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning while camping should immediately go outside into the fresh air and seek urgent medical attention.”
Update Verdicts
Tragic Accident
Husband killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in a camping pod after bringing ...
Daily Mail
'Mr Bainbridge succumbed to the carbon monoxide and Mrs Bainbridge just about escaped, although I suspect by not very much. Mr and Mrs Bainbirdge were away on a break to the Lake District when the tragic accident happened. 'This was a terrible, tragic, ...
Suspended Sentence
Mum, partner and 8-year-old girl poisoned by deadly gas in Catford
This is Local London
The carbon monoxide led to flats being evacuated by fire crews and the gas supply being disconnected by Southern Gas Networks. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed evidence of poor maintenance and showed the boiler was emitting high levels of carbon monoxide… After the hearing HSE inspector Kevin Shorten said: "I hope today’s prosecution sends a clear message to all landlords that they mustn’t shirk or ignore their responsibilities because the consequences can be devastating… legally responsible for the safety of his tenants in relation to gas checks, and in failing to properly maintain the boiler he placed them, and others, in grave danger.”
· 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!
