“If observed facts of undoubted accuracy will not fit any of the alternatives it leaves open, the system itself is in need of reconstruction.”
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979, bio link)
Measurement and education; measurements bring changes
There are several key points to note about today’s CO News links if you are a HVAC or boiler technician or engineer conducting work in residential or commercial buildings. If you are a manufacturer of gas or oil heating or cooking systems you also had better note what is occurring. In fact, it looks like everybody needs to take note.
One point stated in the first link is that appliances producing more than 15 PPM of carbon monoxide were shut down for repair or replacement. The article does not state if this measurement was in the flue gases or was a concentration measured around the appliance when it was running, resulting in air contamination.
If this 15 PPM measurement was taken in flue gases, it is very low and caution is advised for several reasons. The first would be the accuracy of the sensor in the test instrument used for the test. There are sensors used by test instrument manufacturers that cannot possibly detect levels of CO that accurately at that low of a concentration in a hot combustion gas stream due to cross interferences of nitrogen or even hydrogen also present in the exhaust gas. The display may actually be a "false positive".
This is also going to rile up the combustion system manufacturers, especially in the U.S. since combustion systems are allowed to be manufactured (according to the standing rules and standards inaugurated in the year 1927 and still in use) and produce CO Air Free concentrations of 200, 400 or 800 PPM of carbon monoxide and still be sold to the public. (CO Air Free is a unit of measurement designed to compensate for excess air to the burner. It requires an oxygen measurement and CO measurement in the flue gases and the oxygen is calculated out of the result.)
If this 15 PPM measurement was in the air, outside the combustion system and NOT a flue gas measurement, then the condemnation or “shut off” of the system has more warrant and is in line with where fire department and emergency responders are beginning civilian evacuations and wearing their own breathing apparatus.(Updated Comment: Due to some sensors in use that do not have hydrogen compensated sensors, the reading must be evaluated with a search for some hydrogen gas source like a charging auto or marine battery. This too can generate a "false positive CO reading.)
In another follow up story it was noted that a propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas - LPG) forklift caused illness and evacuations at a place of work. On the job measurement of carbon monoxide will discover atmospheres of CO where the workers and visitors (including combustion system service personnel) health or lives are in jeopardy.
As carbon monoxide awareness grows due to the increase of measured exposures, changes will begin to occur. These changes will be costly, but not as costly as the loss of life or the continuance of chronic, poor health symptoms. The more you test, the more you will find to fix or replace. Accurate carbon monoxide measurement is an economic driver, as well as a life saver. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety
CO poisoning victims need help addressing solutions
Congressman involved after CO deaths
WAVY-TV
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Congressman Bobby Scott is seeking answers regarding conditions at a Portsmouth apartment complex where two people died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Congressman Scott held a meeting with residents at Swanson ... The Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority is committed to restoring our residents’ confidence in their community. (WAVY):To date, we have done the following: Immediately after the tragic accident with the Stith household, the Authority hired SCS Engineers to test all hot water heaters, all piping, all stoves and air quality in all of the homes (210). Any appliances emitting an elevated level of CO over 15 ppm was shut down.
Follow up
Faulty Forklift Blamed for Virginia Carbon Monoxide Leak
ClaimsJournal.com
A propane-powered forklift is being blamed for a carbon monoxide leak that sickened four workers at a seafood processing plant in Hampton, Va. Hampton Fire and Rescue Capt. Anthony Chittum tells media outlets that the forklift wasn't working properly.
Share this link with a friend or neighbor who has a portable generator, even if you don’t have or use one yourself.
Firefighters Stress Portable Generator Safety
LAFD News & Information (blog)
Most of the serious carbon monoxide poisonings handled by Los Angeles Firefighters have been caused by generator exhaust fumes drifting into doors, windows, vents and crawl spaces. Be certain to properly install household carbon monoxide detectors that ... Remember: Electricity is a powerful tool, and odorless carbon monoxide fumes can quickly lull you to deep and deadly sleep!
Home inspector’s experiences help emphasize the need for CO alarms
Carbon monoxide a danger
Wausau Daily Herald
You probably are tired of hearing me preach about installing carbon monoxide detectors, but there is something that happened recently that I think is important to share because we all feel it can't happen to us. My sister-in-law, who lives in Madison ...
Maybe, hopefully this time
Carbon Monoxide Detector Bill Passes Second Reading
News Talk 1290
A private member's bill that would see carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in all homes, is closer to becoming law. Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman introduced Bill 20 which has passed first and second reading at Queen's Park. Hardeman is waiting for the ...
Rescue attempts handicapped by carbon monoxide levels
Death toll rises to 26 with 21 still missing after coal mine explosion in China
Washington Post
BEIJING — The death toll in China's worst mine accident in nearly a year has risen to 26 as high temperatures and dangerous carbon monoxide levels hampered rescue work Friday for 21 others still trapped. Police detained the owners of the Xiaojiawan ...
Ireland still hunting for faulty CO alarms, manufacturer apologies for manufacturing a life safety device that does not work.
Faulty carbon monoxide alarm warning
U.TV
"There remains a large number of these monitors unaccounted for throughout Northern Ireland, please ensure if you are in possession of the above carbon monoxide alarms to stop using them and return it to your supplier immediately." The company has ...
· 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!
