Carbon Monoxide Safety Informationinclude furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters, fire- places, wood-burning stoves and certain swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafting and changes in air pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, and a loose or cracked furnace exchanger can also cause CO. Vehicles and other combustion engines running in an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas grill or hibachi in an enclosed area are all possible sources of CO.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations: Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions such as: Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles), negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans, simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing for limited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters, obstructions in, or unconvention- al, vent pipe designs which can amplify the above situations, extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.), temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the ground, car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
CO Safety TipsEvery year have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician. Always install appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals and inspected after installation. Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connec- tions, visible rust, or stains, and check for cracks in furnace heat exchangers. Verify the color of flame on pilot lights and burners is blue. A yellow or orange flame is a sign that