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PUBLIC INFORMATION

Our goal is to provide you with important information and resources related to current topics or concerns related to public safety. Below you will find useful links to many fire and safety related topics.

INFORMATION REGARDING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS

It’s well known that any device generating Carbon Monoxide (CO) poses a potential danger, especially if used in an enclosed area. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas produced as the result of burning fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal, wood, etc.) Excessive amounts of snow during the Blizzard of 2005 created dangerous situations for a number of people, especially those using certain types of high efficiency heating systems. These and other situations caused public safety and government officials to take action to protect the health and welfare of the general public. Last fall, legislation was passed requiring the installation of approved Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in occupied buildings. This legislation, also known as “Nicole’s Law”, honors the young girl who died in Plymouth from CO poisoning as the result of snow blocking a heating vent.

The “Consumer’s Guide to Massachusetts Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms” has been created to answer most of your questions regarding these alarms. Information about carbon monoxide is also provided. To be in compliance with the law, residents in Massachusetts must install detectors on every habitable level by March 31, 2006 and keep them in good working order. If you sell your home, you must have an inspection and certificate from the fire department before the sale is final.

A summary of requirements is provided below:

Generally, anyone owning residential property in Massachusetts, regardless of size and capacity that contains fossil fuel burning equipment OR contains enclosed parking is required to install CO alarms by March 31, 2006.
CO detectors must be installed on each level of the occupancy except basements and attics that do not have habitable living space such as bedrooms, family rooms, dens, etc.
On levels with sleeping areas, they must be installed within ten feet of bedroom doors.
Several types of alarms can be used including battery (with battery monitoring), plug-in (AC powered) with battery back up, AC powered (hard wired) with battery back up and low voltage or wireless alarms.
Certain combination smoke and CO units can be used if they have both simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies.
Landlords must install CO alarms in each dwelling unit and they must inspect, test and maintain them at least once a year or at the beginning of a rental period (new or renewal lease agreement).
Approved CO detectors are those tested by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL, ULC) or the International Approval Service/Canadian Standards Association (IAS/CSA).

We hope this information is helpful in both your understanding of why CO is a dangerous problem and what you can do to be in compliance with the law. Please contact your local fire department directly if you have additional questions or need further information.

Helpful Information Links

Fire Safety and related agencies:

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – Public Education

National Fire Protection Association

Fire Safety Tips

U.S. Fire Administration – Fire Safety for Citizens

Fire Safety Publications

Family and Children

Sparky the Fire Dog

Ready Kids!

Citizen Corps – Are you ready Kids

FEMA for Kids