Carbon Monoxide Safety

During the heating season there are carbon monoxide incidents that occur around the country. In early 2008 there was a multiple fatality carbon monoxide incident in the City of Providence. We are providing this information to raise awareness of the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke detectors in your residence, particularly if you live in off-campus housing where the likelihood of having fuel burning equipment in your living space is increased.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from the incomplete burning of common fuels such as oil, natural or liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, kerosene, wood or coal. It is also known as the 'silent killer.' When CO is inhaled, it enters the blood stream and reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to vital organs, such as the heart and brain. The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim's health and activity level. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.

The Rhode Island Fire Code requirements for carbon monoxide detectors depend upon the type of building occupancy, but they are generally required near sleeping areas in buildings where a fuel burning appliance exists near those sleeping ares. If your apartment has a fuel burning appliance such as a gas stove, furnace or boiler, fireplace or wood stove, you should have carbon monoxide detection within your apartment. Each detector should be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the detector.

We urge you to follow these steps.

If your CO detector alarms, immediately evacuate from the building and call Providence Fire Department Emergency Line 911 to get emergency responders. Remain outside until emergency personnel have assessed the situation with a carbon monoxide meter and say it is okay to re‐enter the building. Contact your landlord to report a problem with a detector.
If there were high levels of CO in your residence, seek a medical evaluation or go to an emergency room. CO can be diagnosed by a blood test if done soon after exposure.
Never use your oven or stove top to heat your residence.
Test CO detectors at least once a month as you would your smoke detectors following manufacturer’s instructions. Report deficiencies to your landlord.
CO detectors are not substitutes for smoke detectors and both should be operable.
If you have a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation before using it.
Propane and kerosene space heaters can generate CO and should not be used in your residence.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build‐up.
Install CO alarms inside your residence to provide early warning of accumulating CO.

Replace batteries at least once per year. The detector should be replaced if it is not working appropriately or if it has expired per the manufacturer’s recommendation
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug‐in receptacle or high on the wall because CO from any source will be well-mixed with the air in the house. Make sure furniture or draperies cannot cover up the alarm.
Make sure that your CO detector meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification standard 2034 or International Approval Services 6-96 standard.
Have your fuel burning appliances and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather arrives and cleaned a needed.
Report any problems with fuel burning appliances to your landlord immediately.
A generator should never be used indoors and should be placed well away from open doors, windows, or air supply vents.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

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