Phase Two Deadline On CO Detector Law
Existing Single Family Homes Must Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors Operational August 1
The second phase of Minnesota’s carbon monoxide alarm law took effect August 1, 2008, making carbon monoxide (CO) detectors mandatory in single family homes. Phase one of the law affected new construction and multi-family dwellings in 2007. Phase three will require CO alarms in existing multi-unit dwellings by August 2009.
The law says the property owner is responsible for providing all single-family dwellings with a minimum of one approved and fully operational CO alarm installed within ten feet of each room used for sleeping. The State Fire Marshal Division says it is important to follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
“CO alarms need to be placed where the gas is easily detectable,” says Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Bob Dahm. “Avoid dead air pockets, corners of the ceiling, and spots too near a wall or within a yard of an air vent.”
A CO alarm produces an audible warning when CO concentrations are high enough to be a health concern. “Remember that your smoke alarms detect smoke, so they will not warn you about carbon monoxide, which can be present in the complete absence of smoke,” Dahm says.
The CO alarm law was enacted in 2006, after carbon monoxide build-up from a propane boiler caused the death of a 17-year-old in North Branch.
For more on carbon monoxide law find “Carbon Monoxide” under “What’s New” on the State Fire Marshal site at www.fire.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Department of Health offers further explanation and advice at www.health.state.mn.us; search “carbon monoxide.” You may also email questions to firecode@state.mn.us.