Carbon Monoxide Detectors

AMANDA'S LAW

MAKES

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS MANDATORY IN NEW YORK STATE

Carbon monoxide alarm requirements to go into effect February 22, 2010

On July 30, 2002 New York Governor Pataki signed into law SB 475/AB 2424, legislation requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all new residential construction in the state. The NEMA recommended that all detectors comply with NFPA standard 720, "Recommended Practice for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide Equipment." and Underwriters Laboratory standard 2034, which establishes requirements for the manufacture of single and multiple station carbon monoxide alarms.

As the result of the new legislation, Amanda's Law (Subdivision 5-a of section 378 of the executive law) will go into effect on February 22, 2010. It requires essentially all residences, both new and existing, to have carbon monoxide alarms installed. The specific requirements differ for new and existing residences and also on when the buildings were built and subcategories of occupancy groups.

Probably the most asked question will be the requirement for existing one and two family residences. They will be required to have one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area.
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Homeowners And Occupants Should be Aware of The Potential Hazards Associated With Carbon Monoxide (CO).

CO poisoning can occur within a matter of minutes and is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison can hurt you slowly in low levels, cause permanent neurological dysfunctions in moderate levels or take lives in higher levels. Protection against this deadly poison is as easy as installing a simple Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home or office.

CO is produced whenever a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are not being used properly or are not functioning adequately. CO poisoning is a serious threat that people need to be informed about. By educating ourselves on the dangers of CO, we can significantly reduce the health risk as well as save lives. Although everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others. The following are more susceptible to Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Fetuses
• Infants
• Elderly People
• Those who suffer from anemia, respiratory or heart disease

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Precautions:

CO is commonly known as "the silent killer." It is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and therefore, the human senses cannot detect it. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year CO poisoning claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their homes. Carbon Monoxide is a potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as fur