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TITLE
SAFETY
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT EXTRACTS FROM THE CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION WEBSITE
WWW.CPSC.GOV
Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel. There-
fore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a po-
tential CO source.
When cooking or heating appliances are kept in good
working order, they produce little CO. Improperly oper-
ating appliances can produce fatal CO concentrations
in your home.
What should you do?
Proper installation, operation, and maintenance of fu-
el-burning appliances in the home is the most import-
ant factor in reducing the risk of CO poisoning.
Make sure appliances are installed according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and the local codes. Most
appliances should be installed by professionals.
Always follow the appliance manufacturer’s directions
for safe operation.
Have the heating system (including chimneys and
vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained ser-
vice technician.
Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper
connections, visible cracks, rust or stains.
Look for problems that could indicate improper appli-
ance operations:
• Decreased hot water supply
• Furnace unable to heat house or runs continuously
• Sooting, especially on appliances and vents
• Unfamiliar, or burning odor
• Increased moisture inside of windows
Operate portable generators outdoors and away from
open doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to
come indoors.
In addition, install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-
in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home. Ev-
ery home should have a CO alarm in the hallway near
the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area. The CO
alarms should be certied to the requirements of the
most recent UL, IAS, or CSA standard for CO alarms. Test
your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries. A
CO alarm can provide added protection, but is no sub-
stitute for proper installation, use and upkeep of appli-
ances that are potential CO sources.
Symptoms of CO poisoning
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the
u (but without the fever) They include:
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning,
get fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call for
assistance from a neighbor’s home. You could lose con-
sciousness and die from CO poisoning if you stay in the
home.
Get medical attention immediately and inform medical
sta that CO poisoning is suspected. Call the Fire De-
partment to determine when it is safe to reenter the
home.
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