Late in 2017, the State of Ohio updated its building codes. With those updates, the requirements for carbon monoxide detectors in overnight occupancies (hotels, senior care, hospitals, dorms, prisons, etc.) and K-12 schools received a major overhaul.
Essentially, if a facility burns fuel to heat, launder, cook, etc., it is required to have carbon monoxide (CO) detection. The specifics of where the detection devices are located are dependent upon the occupancy and the type of appliance. For example, if a facility has a boiler room in the basement, detection needs to be present in that room and possibly the adjoining rooms. Some other examples of where carbon monoxide may be present in overnight occupancies would be pool/spa facilities with water heated by natural gas, laundry rooms with gas dryers, and kitchens that use natural gas stoves.
Educational facilities have an added requirement that the detection of carbon monoxide be annunciated both locally AND in a supervised area. In other words, someone needs to be notified in a common, occupied area such the school’s main office, in addition to the room where the fuel is being used. Examples of areas in schools where they burn fuel could be cafeterias with natural gas appliances, science labs with Bunsen burners, and generator rooms for backup power.
For a detailed bulletin of the updated building code and CO requirements, please click here.
Even if your building is not required to have carbon monoxide detectors, they are still an important piece of safety equipment to consider. At the end of the day, carbon monoxide detectors save lives.
If you are ready to learn more about your facility’s requirements or want to take extra steps to protect your employees and visitors, Integrated Protection Services can help. Contact us today to set up a consultation about CO detectors.
