Carbon Monoxide Alarm FAQ's
Common Questions Pertaining To Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Where are Carbon Monoxide alarms required?:
A. Yes, as of March 28, 2014, all newly constructed buildings containing residential occupancies, including single family homes, were required to install CO alarms if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Buildings with residential occupancies, including single family homes, that were in existence on March 28, 2014 had 36 months to come into compliance with the new CO alarm requirements; this transition period ends on March 28, 2017.
What is a carbon monoxide (CO) source?:
A. A heater, fireplace, appliance (i.e., furnace, dryer, or water heater), or cooking source (i.e., stove or oven) that uses coal, kerosene, petroleum products, wood, or other fuels (i.e., oil or natural gas) that emit CO as a byproduct of combustion; or an attached garage with an opening that communicates directly with a living space. Under the District of Columbia Construction Codes, in residential and institutional occupancies, an open parking garage or a properly ventilated enclosed parking garage is not considered an attached garage for purposes of the CO alarm requirements.
Are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms required on every level?:
A. No, CO alarms are required on each level containing sleeping areas or grouping of bedrooms.
How often do I replace my carbon monoxide (CO) alarm?
A. As per, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 720, CO alarms should be replaced when the end-of-life signal is activated, the manufacturer’s replacement date is reached, or when they fail to respond to operability tests.
How do I keep my carbon monoxide (CO) alarm working?
A. CO alarms must be maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and the manufacturer’s instructions. Free access to NFPA 720 (2012) is available on the website of the National Fire Protection Association at: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-ofcodes-and-standards?mode=code&code=720&tab=editions
What should I do when the carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds?
A. Get outside to fresh air and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for help. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, get medical attention immediately.