carbon monoxide detector
Watch your calendars. Earlier today I was reminded of SB 183, a 2010 Bill that came in under the radar. Senate Bill (SB183) mandates that existing single family homes must contain carbon monoxide detectors effective this Friday, July 1, 2011. As stated below a fine of up to $200 may be imposed for non compliance.
I just called Home Depot and was quoted Walter Kidde battery and AC plug-in units at $40 each.
The salesperson mentioned Code 1 offering a smaller unit at $17.78. Obviously you should make sure that whichever product you decide to purchase that it is certified by the Fire Authority.
http://www.systemsensor.com/co/pdf/State-CO-Code-Summation.pdf
Note: SB 183 was approved by the Governor and filed with the Secretary of State on May 7, 2010.
Following text is from the Bill: http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0151-0200/sb_183_bill_20100507_chaptered.html
SEC. 4. Section 17926 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to
read:
17926. (a) An owner of a dwelling unit intended for human
occupancy shall install a carbon monoxide device, approved and listed
by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13263, in each
existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or
appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage, within the earliest
applicable time period as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units intended for
human occupancy on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all other existing dwelling units intended for human
occupancy on or before January 1, 2013.
(b) With respect to the number and placement of carbon monoxide
devices, an owner shall install the devices in a manner consistent
with building standards applicable to new construction for the
relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions,
if it is technically feasible to do so.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding Section 17995, and except as provided in
paragraph (2), a violation of this section is an infraction
punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each
offense.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a property owner shall receive
a 30-day notice to correct. If an owner receiving notice fails to
correct within that time period, the owner may be assessed the fine
pursuant to paragraph (2).
(d) No transfer of title shall be invalidated on the basis of a
failure to comply with this section, and the exclusive remedy for the
failure to comply with this section is an award of actual damages
not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), exclusive of any court
costs and attorney’s fees. This subdivision is not intended to affect
any duties, rights, or remedies otherwise available at law.
(e) A local ordinance requiring carbon monoxide devices may be
enacted or amended if the ordinance is consistent with this chapter.
*Actually, older properties around the state have a variety of grandfathered utility components. Oh sure, there is still “Lead Pipe”, “Asbestos” and a chorus of other items circulating in our homes……as we speak. Even newer homes have timbers and such that already came with dry rot, pesticide impregnated – some from the Phillipines that even have termites included in the price.
So, when it comes to Central Heating Units manufactured before 1965….who knows what we have been ingesting throughout the years? In any event, if you go to your
local Ace Hardware, they have home tests available for RADON GAS, Poison in the water, a Multi-Gas detector for explosive gases and of course the typical smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
So….between neighbors that might be leeching their meth lab into your upstairs bedroom or someone that has a downstairs garage and leaves their car running while they do their laundry….the idea of a carbon monoxide detector isn’t all that bad.
Water quality that comes into our house should be monitored on a daily basis, when summer comes and water tables are low……the amount of chorine bleach can be smelled. How much is safe? How about our natural gas? Dirty or clean? So, air quality should actually include about five different items….if, you have babies, infirmed folks or the elderly with breathing problems.
Carbon Monoxide is no big deal….too much and you die, a little less and it only causes brain damage. So, grugingly – the CM detector along with a working Smoke Detector is probably a pretty good idea….all told.
This is a good idea and everybody should have them in there homes. It is a odorless/colorless gas that before you know it can kill you. We use them in our home and bring them to Big Bear when renting a cabin to be safe. I also own and operate a carpet, upholstery, tile/stone and grout cleaning company, and our machines run on gasoline motors which produce carbon monoxide like all motors. I keep the exhaust pointed away from the unit and I have a monitor I keep in the garage (where we typically enter) to make sure none is sneaking in while cleaning for our clients. All ways better safe then sorry. At the very least it causes nasty headaches. I am all for it.
Usual government’s interference in my unalienable right to die.
So now, I will have to listen to annoying sound telling me that the end is near.
BUMPER:
That damn government requiring such things as meat inspection and clean water, too. Let’s go the Chinese way, with no enforceable health and safety standards.
Rapscallion. While off the thread, yet staying on another “nanny” state law, as of July 1st shoppers in parts of LA county will be charged 10 cents per bag as they eliminate plastic bags.