In Ontario, more than 80 per cent of carbon monoxide deaths and injuries occur in homes. Most people have heard of carbon monoxide and know that it’s dangerous. However, they often don’t know where it comes from, how it’s produced and what precautions they can take to ensure it doesn’t endanger them or their families.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly produced as a byproduct of combustion when common fuel-burning appliances and equipment that use natural gas, oil, wood, propane and kerosene don’t get enough air to burn up completely. When this happens, carbon monoxide can build up, especially in a confined room or space. This can lead to toxic effects on humans and pets. Most households have on average four to six appliances that produce carbon monoxide. Here is how to prevent the buildup 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 www.cosafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
- Ensure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, fireplace and other fuel-burning appliances are always 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 the 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.
Install carbon monoxide alarms; it’s the law!
A properly installed and maintained CO alarm can alert you to when the poisonous gas is present. They usually have a life expectancy of five to seven years.
If the alarm sounds, evacuate your home quickly. Call the fire department from outside and ask them to check your home for the presence of carbon monoxide.
If your home has a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage, install a CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area.
- For optimum protection, it is recommended that additional CO alarms be installed in other levels and/or areas of the home that are in proximity to a CO source, subject to the distance limits provided in the product’s instruction manual.
Help prevent carbon monoxide from harming you and your family by:
- Getting an annual inspection for all fuel-fired appliances in your home
- Installing and regularly testing carbon monoxide alarms
For more information, visit the Technical Standards & Safety Authority at www.tssa.org.
