CO Inspection Services
What is Carbon Monoxide Testing?
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, the only way to test for it is with a detector or with the help of professionals. Being proactive and taking preventive maintenance steps can save lives This service determines whether your business or home’s combustible appliances are releasing harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Like radon, carbon monoxide is odorless, and some of the symptoms are similar to common illnesses, so entire families often fail to realize they’re being poisoned. Carbon monoxide can be particularly dangerous because its deadly effects are rarely recognized until it is too late to take action against them.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas-fired Kitchen Ranges (Be Alarmed!)
Gas kitchen ranges releasing unvented combustion products into the kitchen are common in many homes. Studies show carbon monoxide concentrations in the kitchen are elevated when the stove is used without using the range hood.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas-fired Kitchen Ranges (Be Alarmed!) Read More »
How much carbon monoxide is produced by a kitchen range?
Carbon monoxide from kitchen ranges is a common reason for elevated concentrations of CO in homes. Kitchen ranges are required to produce no more than 800 parts per million (ppm) carbon monoxide in an air-free sample of the flue gases. Continued operation of a kitchen range producing 800 ppm in a tight house without extra ventilation will cause carbon monoxide levels to rise quickly to unacceptable levels. Field technicians report most kitchen ranges can be tuned to produce less than 50 ppm.
- Regularly maintained appliances that are properly ventilated should not produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide
- Have a qualified service professional inspect your fuel burning appliance(s) at least once per year.
- Have you chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a W.E.T.T. certified professional.
- Be sure your carbon monoxide alarm has been certified to the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) CAN/CGA 6.19 standard or the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in or near the sleeping area(s) of the home.
- Install the carbon monoxide alarms(s) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Link to Ontario Regulation 194/14: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2014/elaws_src_regs_r14194_e.htm
How to prevent the build-up of CO in your home:
- Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected by professionals every year before cold weather sets in. Visit COSafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
- Ensure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, fireplace and other fuel-burning appliances should always be clear of snow and other debris.
- Gas and charcoal barbecues should only be used outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Never use barbecues inside garages, even if the garage doors are open.
- Portable fuel-burning generators should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from windows, doors, vents and other building openings.
- Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
- Open the flue before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.
Quick Facts
- More than 50 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada, including 11 on average in Ontario.
- Bill 77, an Act to Proclaim Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and to amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, received royal assent in December 2013.
- The first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week will take place November 1-8, 2014.
- The Ontario Building Code requires the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in homes and other residential buildings built after 2001.
