PURPOSE
To
establish a uniform, coordinated guideline for response
to reports of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents.
GENERAL
Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that
is deadly. It is a by-product of a fuel burning process.
Many appliances such as furnaces, kitchen stoves, hot
water heaters, automobiles, etc. can produce carbon
monoxide. When a faulty or unusual condition exists,
carbon monoxide may be vented into areas where people
are present.
Carbon
monoxide poisoning may be difficult to diagnose. Its
symptoms are similar to the flu, which may include
headache, nausea, fatigue and dizzy spells.
OSHA
has established a maximum safe working level for
carbon monoxide at 35 parts per million (PPM) over an 8
hour period in the general workplace. The EPA has
established that residential levels are not to exceed 9
PPM over an 8 hour average.
Nicor
(gas company) will not respond to carbon monoxide (CO)
investigations. They will respond only if the initial
call received by them indicates that someone is ill or
if the fire department requests that they respond to the
scene.
All
firefighters shall use SCBA for all carbon monoxide
alarms.
PROCEDURE
1.
Zero the meter in fresh air and comply with all
other start up procedures as recommended by the
manufacturer of the metering equipment.
2.
If battery symbol (BATT) flashes on screen
replace batteries with C cell alkaline batteries, these
batteries should be in the case that the meter was in.
3.
If using any extension tubing on the meter, allow
1 second for every foot of tubing before you read the
meter.
4.
Do not lower end of sensor into any liquid.
5.
Do not open windows or doors to the structure,
this will help pin point the source of any CO if
present.
6.
Initiate a survey of the premises to determine if
there are any amounts above 9 PPM of carbon monoxide
present.
PROCEDURE
7.
Take readings at floor level, chest level, and
ceiling. Pay special attention to register vents, gas
stoves, gas dryer vents, gas hot water heaters and
chimneys.
8.
If the reading is 9 PPM or less inform the
occupants that our meter did not detect an elevated
level of carbon monoxide at this time.
9.
Recommend occupants check their CO detector per
manufacturer recommendations.
10.
Attempt to reset detector.
11.
Inform occupants that if the detector activates
again, call our emergency number.
For readings of more
than 9 PPM but less than 100 PPM
1.
Any reading above 9 PPM shall be considered above
normal reading.
2.
Occupants shall be informed that we detected a
potentially dangerous level of CO.
3.
Recommend that all persons leave the premises.
4.
If it is determined that an appliance is
malfunctioning and thereby producing CO, it shall be
shut down.
5.
Once the premises have been reduced to a safe
level of CO, the premises may be occupied at the
discretion of the occupant.
6.
Attempt shall be made to reset the detector.
7.
Inform occupants that if the detector activates
again, call our emergency number.
For readings of more
than 100 PPM
1.
Any reading above 100 PPM or greater – inform
the occupants that we have detected a potentially lethal
level of CO.
2.
Order the occupants to leave the premises
immediately.
3.
If it is determined that an appliance is
malfunctioning and thereby producing CO, it shall be
shut down.
4.
Once the premises have been reduced to a safe
level of CO, the premises may be occupied at the
discretion of the occupant.
5.
Attempt shall be made to reset the detector.
6.
Inform occupants that if the detector activates
again, call our emergency number.
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