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5. RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF CO MONITORS
CO poisoning can happen anywhere in a building. At the minimum, CO monitors should
be located on every level of the building, near the persons who may be potentially
affected by CO poisoning, and where workers can hear any alarm.
More than one CO monitor may be required within different areas of the building. A
space which contains fuel burning equipment, and areas and rooms adjacent to this
space or any parking garage, should also have a CO monitor installed.
If the monitor is installed in a hallway and any office doors are kept closed, install a CO
monitor in each of these rooms. If the monitor is installed in a large open area, one
monitor should be installed for every 1000 square feet of vertically unobstructed space.
A monitor should also be installed near each exit from the building to alert employees of
a CO alarm condition prior to entering.
Mount CO monitors onto an interior wall about three inches above eye level for the best
view of the display readout.
CO detection is best achieved by installing monitors in all rooms and areas of building.
DO NOT install monitor within 5 feet of combustion equipment.
DO NOT install monitor on any exterior wall, or within 1 foot of exterior door or window.
Conditions which can result in CO production or exposure:
1) Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor
ambient conditions, such as:
i) Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in the
vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
ii) Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
iii) Several fuel burning appliances competing for limited internal air.
iv) Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from furnaces, boilers or water heaters.
v) Obstructions or unconventional vent designs which amplify the above situations.
vi) Poorly designed or maintained chimneys and/or vents.
2) Extended operation of unvented fuel burning devices.
3) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
4) Truck, car or forklift operating or idling in an open or closed attached garage or
warehouse, or near a building.
6. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
NEAR COOKING APPLIANCES: To avoid nuisance alarms and grease build up, which
may cause monitor failure, do not install monitor within five feet of cooking appliances.
WITHIN FIVE FEET OF FURNACE, BOILER, SPACE HEATER, OR WATER HEATER:
These devices often spill out CO when they first turn on.
IN DUSTY AREAS: Dust can build up on the monitor and cause failure to alarm.
IN CLEANING SUPPLY ROOMS: Cleaning chemicals and painting supplies may cause
nuisance alarms.
