By Doug Pierre, Deputy Fire Marshal
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of burning hydrocarbon fuels. The gas binds with the red blood cells, restricting their ability to carry oxygen to your body’s muscular system. CO alarms are important in residential occupancies and anywhere fuel-burning appliances or vehicles are present, such as pool areas, buildings with attached garages, schools, and other locations. Also, don’t forget to monitor your fire scenes before doffing SCBAs, as CO is often present in elevated levels there, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 420 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and 100,000 people visit the emergency room (2023b, January 9).
CO alarms emit a distinct sound from a smoke alarm signal/warning. To hear the difference, click here. CO alarms emit four short chirps, while smoke alarms emit three long beeps.
Carbon monoxide detectors have been in the Fire Code of North Dakota since the 2015 edition. In the current 2021 edition, carbon monoxide is covered by section 915 for new construction and Section 1103.9 for existing buildings. These sections of code can help ensure your community has the correct protections in place to prevent CO exposures and risks.
Section 915
- Addresses carbon monoxide alarm and detection requirements for new construction.
- Required in institutional (hospitals, jails, etc.), residential (hotels, apartments, single-family homes, etc.), and educational (schools) with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
- Required in the immediate vicinity of sleeping units, on each floor or separate sleeping area, in classrooms, and in any rooms where a fuel-burning appliance is present.
- Defines the difference between a CO alarm (single unit) and CO detection (part of a system).
Section 1103.9
- Indicates occupancy types where CO alarms are required in existing buildings (same as in new construction).
- Refers to Section 915 for installation locations.
- Includes exceptions for alarms where detection systems are not retroactively reasonable.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends testing CO alarms monthly and changing the batteries twice a year. For more information or any questions about carbon monoxide detectors and where they are required to be installed, please contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Source: CDC