User's Manual

22
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
GROUN D
FLOOR
BASEMENT
KITC HEN
GARAG E
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
CARBON MONOXIDE DETEC TOR
Figure 5
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very toxic.
It also moves freely in the air. CO detectors can measure the con-
centration and sound a loud alarm before a potentially harmful
level is reached. The human body is most vulnerable to the effects
of CO gas during sleeping hours; therefore, CO detectors should
be located in or as near as possible to sleeping areas of the home.
For maximum protection, a CO alarm should be located outside
primary sleeping areas or on each level of your home. Figure 5
indicates the suggested locations in the home. o NOT place the
CO alarm in the following areas:
• Where the temperature may drop below -10ºC or exceed 40ºC
• Near paint thinner fumes
• Within 5 feet (1.5m) of open flame appliances such as fur-
naces, stoves and fireplaces
• In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys
• Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the detector
PLEASE REFER TO THE CO DETECTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTION
SHEET FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
Household Fire Safety Audit
Read this section carefully for important information about fire safety.
Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a household fire safety audit
be conducted and a fire escape plan be developed.
1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords, overloaded
lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or house-
hold service, have a professional evaluate these units.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated cool area? Cleaning
with flammable liquids should be avoided.
3. Are fire-hazardous materials (e.g., matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood-burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good working order?
Have a professional evaluate these appliances.
Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is thus
very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur at
night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted
shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue
should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to perform the rescue can
promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided as well as
training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio doors in
winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.
• Each person should know the predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted for
(e.g., across the street or at a neighbour
’s house). Once everyone is out of the building, call the fire
department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate or attempt to fight the fire, and do not
gather belongings as this can waste valuable time. Once outside, do not re-enter the house.
Wait for
the fire department.
• Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an emergency arise, every-
one will know what to do. Revise the plan as conditions change, such as the number of people in the
home, or if there are changes to the building’
s construction.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests. If you are unsure
about system operation, contact your installer.
W
e recommend that you contact your local fire department and request further information on fire
safety and escape planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire
safety inspection.