New Carbon Monoxide Law for Real Estate Rentals and Sales

Beginning July 1, 2009 carbon monoxide detectors will be required for all open permits on single and multi-family dwellings with the enactment of the Lofgren and Johnson Families Carbon Monoxide Safety Act (CRS 38-45). The new law relates to houses that are for sale and rental housing such as apartments that are leased to new tenants. It requires that sellers/landlords of such homes provide well-functioning carbon monoxide alarms. The alarm can be battery operated, plug-in or connected to the electrical system. The Lofgren and Johnson Families Carbon Monoxide Safety Act states that approved carbon monoxide detectors need to be located within fifteen feet of the entrance to all rooms used lawfully for sleeping purposes. In addition, if the permit is for a multi-family rental unit, a carbon monoxide detector needs to be located within twenty-five feet of any fuel-fired heater, fuel-fired appliance, fireplace or garage.

The bill was signed into law on March 24 by Governor Bill Ritter in response to public concern following the deaths of the Lofgren family last November 2008 at a vacation home in Aspen, and DU student, Lauren Johnson, this past January due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Preparation is the best prevention! Purchase and install a carbon monoxide alarm!

A CO alarm is different than a smoke detector. A CO alarm is designed to alarm if potentially dangerous levels of CO are detected in the home or business. CO alarms can be purchased from any hardware store and most department stores. A CO alarm should meet special requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The label should list that the detector meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A properly installed and operating CO alarm will sound an alarm for different levels of CO. The concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). When the concentration is 1 to 70 ppm, most people will not experience any symptoms. As the level rises, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Heart patients may experience an increase in chest pain. When the levels increase above 150-200 ppm, unconsciousness and death are possible. A CO alarm should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow directions carefully and save the directions in a safe place. Learn how the alarm works. A CO alarm should be installed in hallways within 15 feet of every sleeping area of the home. The alarm must not be covered by furniture or draperies. Because CO mixes with the air in the building, the alarm may be placed high on the wall or installed in a plug-in receptacle.

How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?

The electronic-type detector continuously samples the surrounding air and clears the sensor over short periods of time. They do not sound an alarm until a preset concentration of carbon monoxide has been sustained for a preset time (refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for further information). This type operates on 120 volt house current and the sensor has a life expectancy of between five and ten years, depending on the brand. A CO alarm should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The battery-operated model should be located on the sleeping level within 15 feet of any bedroom. The electronically-operated model would be best located on the level where your heater, hot water heater, gas dryer, or other major fuel-burning appliances are located. This detector should be located at least 15 feet away from these appliances in order to avoid false alarms.

What Should I Do If the Detector Goes Off?

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and you are not experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, you should ventilate your home (open windows and doors to let in fresh air), turn off any combustion appliances, and call a qualified service technician. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should evacuate all residents from the home, go to a neighbor’s and dial 9-1-1. The fire department has specialized equipment which can measure the level of carbon monoxide in the home. They will also help to ventilate the home, and advise you to call a service technician or the utility company as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to be taken to the emergency room for treatment. The UL standards which are used for carbon monoxide detectors have recently been revised in order to correct problems with over-sensitivity under some conditions. Always dial 9-1-1 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning as this can be fatal in high enough quantities. Unborn children, infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with cardiovascular (heart) or respiratory (lung) conditions are more susceptible to poisoning at lower levels.