Firesafetysource: Be protected with Kidde and Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detectors and More.

New York City’s Carbon Monoxide Law
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)?
CO is a highly toxic gas. It is the product of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, gasoline, wood and coal. The major sources of CO in homes and apartments are fossil fuel burning boilers, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and parking garages. CO is very dangerous because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. CO poisoning can be fatal. The warning signs of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea.
WHAT DOES NEW YORK CITY’S NEW LAW REQUIRE?
The new law requires the installation of CO detectors (alarms) in all new and existing one and two-family houses, apartment buildings and hotels. However, some units in buildings without fossil fuel burning furnaces or boilers may be exempt (see DOB regulations on www.NYC.gov/buildings for more info). CO detectors are also required in dormitories, nursing homes, and schools.
WHEN MUST THE DETECTORS BE INSTALLED?
All detectors must be installed by November 1, 2004. Under limited circumstances, building owners may be granted extensions until June 30, 2005. Extensions will be considered on a case by case basis. Visit www.NYC.gov/buildings for more information about this process.
WHAT TYPES OF CO DETECTORS ARE REQUIRED?
Approved CO detectors must be marked "UL” rated. For existing buildings, CO detectors can be battery-operated, or can plug into an electrical outlet as long as it has a battery back-up in case of power interruption. New buildings or substantially improved buildings must have detectors that are hard-wired to the building's electrical systems. The installation of a combination smoke alarm/CO detector is allowed.
WHERE SHOULD CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS BE INSTALLED?
CO detectors must be installed within 15 feet of the primary entrance of each bedroom. CO detectors do not have to be installed on or near the ceiling. They can be installed at other room locations and at heights recommended by the manufacturer. To ensure proper operation, do not install CO detectors next to bathrooms, which are sources of humidity, or near gas stoves, gas dryers, etc. Detectors should not be placed in areas likely to be damaged by children or pets.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AFTER INSTALLATION?
File (in person or by mail) a "Certificate of Satisfactory Installation" within 10 days from the date of installation, with HPD's Borough Code Enforcement office in the borough in which the dwelling is located. This applies to all multiple dwellings. These forms can be found at www.NYC.gov/buildings.
WHAT DO I DO IF THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR GOES OFF?
Open the windows immediately, and go to a well-ventilated area so that you are not poisoned by the carbon monoxide. If you have control of the boiler, furnace, or water heater, immediately turn it off and call your oil or gas provider or your service contractor to correct the problem. If the boiler, furnace or water heater is not under your control, call 911 for the Fire Department to investigate.
WHAT DO I DO IF I FEEL ILL FROM THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE?
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and non-irritating it may go undetected. In the event that you feel ill from carbon monoxide poisoning, go to a place with fresh air (go outside if you can) and call 911. Follow the instructions of the operator and await the help of a trained medical professional.
IF A BUILDING OWNER INSTALLS A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR OR A COMBINATION SMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR, CAN THE OWNER GET A REIMBURSED FROM THE TENANT?
Owners who install a carbon monoxide detector can request a $25 reimbursement from the tenant. For a combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, tenants can be asked for a $35 reimbursement ($10 smoke detector and $25 CO detector) when the smoke alarm needs to be replaced i.e. it is missing or inoperable. If the smoke alarm is operable and the building owner still wants to replace it with a combined alarm, he or she can only be reimbursed $25.00.
WHERE CAN TENANTS AND BUILDING OWNERS GET MORE INFORMATION?
Tenants and building owners may call 311 or visit NYC Dept of Housing Preservation & Development website at www.nyc.gov/hpd. For additional information about CO detector (alarm) requirements and rules, visit the New York City Department of Buildings at www.NYC.gov/buildings.

Information Compliled by FireSafetySource.com from www.nyc.gov (September 2005)