Are carbon monoxide detectors important and should you have them installed?
Yes because carbon monoxide poisoning is the biggest cause of accidental poison-related fatalities in all of North America. And, according to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, more than 50 people die annually from CO poisoning with an average of 11 people in Ontario.
Furthermore, Statistics Canada puts the figure of those who have died collectively from CO poisoning between 2000 and 2013 at 4,990. It’s clear to see that CO is harmful. But why exactly is this?
CO is especially noxious because it presents itself as a colourless and odourless gas which makes it extremely difficult to detect without a special detector.
So, whether in a house or an office building, carbon monoxide detectors are important because they can save lives.
In this post, we’re going to dive deeper and look at:
- What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
- Where does carbon monoxide originate in a building?
- Best practices to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning
- 5 reasons to install carbon monoxide detectors
Let’s get to it.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when unsuspecting individuals breathe in carbon monoxide for an extended period of time.
CO is harmful when inhaled because it has the ability to displace oxygen from the blood which can cause a person to fall into a coma. Deprivation of oxygen to the brain, heart and important organs can lead to loss of consciousness and suffocation within minutes.
Typical symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Constriction across the chest
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
Everyone is potentially at risk but young children and the elderly are most susceptible. So are those suffering from heart and or lung diseases, smokers, and people/working at high altitudes.
Fortunately, if caught on time CO poisoning can be reversed, albeit with damage to vital organs like the brain and heart.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Originate in a Building?
Wherever there is incomplete combustion of materials consisting of carbon such as oil, kerosene, natural gas, gasoline, coal, or wood, there is an elevated risk of CO production.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide include:
- Cars (vehicle exhaust)
- Cooking and household appliances (think charcoal grills, barbecue, gas dryer, gas stove)
- Cigarettes
- Fireplaces or wood stoves (and blocked chimney flues)
- Gas-powered equipment (such as lawnmowers and snow blowers)
- Gas powered generators
- Heating appliances (like furnaces and gas water heaters)
The likelihood of CO poisoning is increased if any of the appliances mentioned above are used in poorly ventilated or unventilated areas.
People working in and around coke ovens, blast furnaces, forges, boiler rooms, paper and petroleum refineries, dock workers, and warehouses are most at risk as CO is one of the most common industrial hazards in such occupations.
Best Practices to Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
To lower the likelihood of CO poisoning in the home or workplace, homeowners and employees can adopt the following best practices:
- Install effective ventilation systems that eliminate CO from living spaces and work areas.
- Routinely carry out maintenance on appliances and equipment that produces CO such as water heaters and cooking ranges.
- Opt to use electricity-powered equipment as opposed to gasoline-based appliances.
- Prohibit the use of gas-powered tools or engines in areas with little to no ventilation.
- Routinely test air quality to ensure there is no CO present.
- Educate family members, tenants, or employees on the production sources of CO, effects of CO poisoning, symptoms and what to do in the event of an emergency.
5 Reasons to Install Carbon Dioxide Detectors
With this background, we can now move on to the benefits of installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Benefit #1 CO Detectors Act as Early Warning Signs
Carbon monoxide detectors have an inbuilt alarm system which is set off when CO levels cross a certain threshold. Thus, they act as the earliest warning signs of rising CO levels in a space. The alarm provides sufficient time for building occupants to either quickly ventilate the room or escape.
Benefit #2 Alerts You About Faulty Appliances
Appliances such as gas water heaters, wood stoves, gas stoves, lawnmowers, and fuel-fired furnaces are all prime generators of carbon monoxide. A carbon monoxide detector can alert building occupants about the state of the appliance, for an appliance that’s faulty will generate more CO thereby triggering the CO detector.
Benefit #3 CO Detectors Safeguard Society’s Most Vulnerable
CO detectors are especially efficacious in nursing homes, hospitals, nursery schools or places where young and or vulnerable individuals reside or work. The alarms and subsequent automatic contact sent to first responders means this subgroup can be helped on time before CO poisoning reaches a fatal point.
Benefit #4 CO Detectors are Stable in all Weather
High-end carbon monoxide detectors such as those installed by Nutech Fire Prevention technicians are not affected by temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity. As such, there are no false alarms as the systems will only be activated when they detect carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and not other gases.
Benefit #5 CO Detectors can Contact First Responders
Owing to the sophisticated nature of modern CO detectors, even if you’re not present at home, you’ll be automatically alerted if the CO detector has been triggered. A message will show up on your phone if the security device is also not activated. These contemporary CO detectors also have the capability to alert first responders.
Investing in Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s important that all the CO detectors you’re purchasing are certified for use in Canada. If you’re working with a qualified technician this won’t be an issue as they know this. But if you decide to purchase on your own, make sure the products and their packaging bear any one of the following certification marks:
Stay Safe and Hire Qualified Technicians to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Today
Here at Nutech Fire Prevention, it is our duty and mission to help keep the residents of Ontario safe through the provision, installation, and maintenance of the leading safety technologies on the market.
We provide a comprehensive range of systems including a line of carbon monoxide detectors, emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency lighting, fire safety plans, sprinkler systems, and gas detection services for businesses in Hamilton, Ontario.
Request a free quote today.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
· How to Plan a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Business