In November of 2005 “Nicole’s Law” was signed into law; this law places certain requirements on owners of all residential properties to install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
Why do I have to do this?
Carbon monoxide, known as the Invisible Killer, is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is produced as a result of the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, coal and gasoline. Each year many people die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are injured. This law was passed to protect all of us from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
How do I know if I have carbon monoxide poisoning?
The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to that of the flu and as a result are often overlooked. They include:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
If you think you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or your CO alarm is sounding, contact the Fire Department and leave the building immediately.
Who is impacted by this law?
All residential buildings
Transient residential buildings such as hotels and motels
Institutional buildings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, jails
Group day care, preschool and after school centers
What do we have to do?
Install CO alarms on every level of your home except basements and attics that do not have habitable living spaces by March 31, 2006
What kinds of CO alarms are allowed?
There are several types of alarms that are allowed; they include:
Battery powered with batter monitoring
Plug-in (AC powered) units with battery backup
AC primary power (hard-wired) with battery backup
Qualified combination smoke detectors and CO alarms
Where do I have to put these CO alarms?
In most residences, carbon monoxide alarms are required to be located on every level of the home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors. Carbon monoxide alarms should not be placed in garages.
How to I meet the requirements of the law?
If you install CO alarms on every habitable level by March 31, 2006 and keep them in good working order you don’t have to do anything else to be in compliance with the law. When you sell your home, you must have an inspection and certificate from the local fire department that the CO alarms meet the code requirements before the sale is final.
For more information about the requirements of the law please contact the Fire Department at (508) 869-2342 or visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services website at: www.mass.gov/dfs.
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