California Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirement Law (Senate Bill 183)

As of July 1st, 2011, California’s Senate released new legislation that requires Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in every California home. According to State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoove, “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people.” The new legislation is geared to prevent injury and/or death from the deadly gas.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been dubbed the “silent killer”. It is a result of the combusting or burning petroleum based, wood, or kerosene fuels. Carbon Monoxide gas results from household items such as:

• Gas Water Heaters
• Gas Stoves and or Ovens
• Fireplaces (wood burning or gas)
• Cars and Trucks
• Generators
• Home Heaters

If enough Carbon Monoxide is consumed in an area with inadequate ventilation, Carbon Monoxide poisoning can occur. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to that of the flu: headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness/light headedness. The effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, if you do not notice the symptoms and continue to breathe the harmful gas, are brain damage or even death. If you feel symptoms such as these, immediately escape to fresh air.

The new California Legislation, Senate Bill 183, was put in place to protect people from the symptoms and effects of Carbon Monoxide. It requires both homeowners and landlords to install detectors in accordance with California building codes, which sate:

1. Detectors must be installed in the immediate vicinity of every sleeping area, on every level including basements.
2. It must be at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.

If homeowners, business owners, and landlord in California do not install these detectors according to code, they will receive a 30 day warning first, followed by a $200 fine for each offense if they do not fix the problem. Homes and buildings that do not contain attached garages or fossil fuel burning appliances are exempt from this law, however; it is still recommended that you install detectors.

Be smart; contact your local hardware stores to find the detectors you need to make your house Carbon Monoxide safe. Better yet, have a local contractor like Dreamweaver Design & Construction Inc. do the work for you and install your detectors for you at a competitive price to put your house up to par with the new California Health Codes and Laws.

Author: Kameron Scott
11/16/2011