CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO MASSACHUSETTS REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
WHO IS IMPACTED BY THIS LAW?
Generally speaking anyone who owns residential property regardless of
size (i.e., 1- & 2-family homes, multi-family buildings, apartments,
condominiums and townhouses, etc.) that contains fossil burning fuel
equipment (i.e., oil, gas, wood, coal, etc.) OR contains enclosed
parking (i.e., attached or enclosed garage) in Massachusetts, is
required to install CO alarms by March 31, 2006. In certain limited
instances (see below), the installation requirements are deferred until
January 1, 2007.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
Install CO alarms on every level of your home except for basements and
attics that do not have habitable living spaces (i.e., family rooms,
dens, etc) by March 31, 2006.
WHAT KINDS OF CO ALARMS ARE ALLOWED?
There are several types of alarms that are allowed; they include:
· Battery powered with battery monitoring;
· Plug-in (AC powered) units with battery back-up;
· AC primary power (hard-wired-usually involves hiring an electrician)
with battery back-up
· Low-voltage or wireless alarms; and
· Qualified combination smoke detectors and CO alarms.
WHAT ARE QUALIFIED COMBINATION DETECTORS AND ALARMS?
Acceptable combination smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must
have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between
the two types of emergencies.
WHAT AM I REQUIRED TO DO IF I?M A LANDLORD?
Landlords must install CO alarms in each dwelling unit. Landlords also
must inspect, test and maintain the CO alarms at least once a year or
at the beginning of any rental period (such as lease renewal).
Batteries are required to be replaced once a year. Tenants should
report any problems with alarms to the landlord immediately and learn
to recognize the difference between the smoke detector and the carbon
monoxide alarm.
WHERE DO I HAVE TO PUT THESE CO ALARMS?
In most residences, carbon monoxide alarms are required to be located
on every level of a home or dwelling unit including habitable portions
of basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must
be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors.
CO alarms do not go inside garages, but in the adjacent living areas.
WHY DO I HAVE TO DO THIS?
Carbon monoxide (CO), known as the Invisible Killer, is a colorless,
odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete burning of fuels
such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, coal, and gasoline. Each year
many people die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are
injured. This law was passed to protect all of us from the dangers of
carbon monoxide poisoning.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CO POISONING?
The first symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without
the fever). They include:
· Headache
· Fatigue
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea
· Dizziness
If you think you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or your CO
alarm is sounding, contact your fire department and leave the building
immediately.
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