According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission 170 people die each year in the United States from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. In most cases these deaths are due to malfunctioning products and equipment or incomplete burning of fuels such as propane, natural gas, coal, and wood.
To prevent CO poisoning, students should install CO detectors in their residences or insist that landlords install this equipment prior to signing a lease. Individuals should also review the following:
1. Make sure appliances are installed and operating in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
2. Have heating appliances inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation.
3. Fuel burning appliances should only be services by trained, qualified technicians.
4. Never operate a portable generator or other gas powered tool inside or near an enclosed space such as a garage, basement or residence.
5. Never use portable camping equipment inside a building
6. Never leave a vehicle running in the garage even if the door is open.
7. Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or dryers to heat a building.
8. Never operate unvented fuel burning appliances in any room where people sleep.
9. INSTALL A CO ALARM THAT MEETS THE CURRENT UL 2034 OR CSA 6.19 SAFETY STANDARDS. This information can be found on the box of the device.
Mike Halligan – Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety – University of Utah
Make sure to check out our NIFAST store for a carbon monoxide detector.
