Puslinch Fire Chief Steven Goode is stressing the need for residents to have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their home.
And now, it is the law in Ontario Goode adds.
On Oct. 15, Ontario formally enacted the Hawkins-Gignac Act – making carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in all Ontario homes at risk of CO.
On Nov. 19, Goode told members of Puslinch council the detectors are required in every home with a fuel-burning appliance, attached garage or fireplace.
“There is a six month grace period … we’re hoping people act on this sooner than later. But it will not be enforced until after six months.”
Goode’s report noted “carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of fuel burning appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryer, water heaters, ovens and ranges.”
He added a charcoal grill operating in an enclosed area, a fire burning in a fireplace or a car running in an attached garage also can produce CO.
Goode stated “detectors must be installed outside of the sleeping areas, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.”
However the detectors should not be installed directory above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of CO upon start-up.
He added a detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.
In Ontario, provincial legislation requires the installation of CO alarms outside of sleeping areas.
CO detectors ‘shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms,’ and each detector ‘shall be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.’
CO is known as ‘The Silent Killer’ because you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. The only way to detect the presence of the deadly gas is to install a CO alarm.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea and fatigue and are often mistaken for the flu. Carbon monoxide is known to disorient its victims and is most dangerous when people are sleeping and fail to wake up or realize they are at risk. Prolonged exposure to CO can lead to brain damage and death.
