Obtaining carbon monoxide education and training can help you learn how to properly install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. By doing so, you can protect your staff, customers and other business contacts from the harmful exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is virtually undetectable without special devices.

Carbon monoxide is created when fuel sources are not properly vented. Carbon monoxide detectors are devices specially manufactured to monitor the levels of carbon monoxide present in any given area. These may include: kerosene and gas space heaters, improperly sealed chimneys and furnaces, fireplaces, stoves and generators. Because the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide is great in dwelling units, it’s important for commercial and residential property owners to regularly monitor the carbon monoxide levels to ensure the safety of their tenants. Consider the following tips to help you obtain the necessary carbon monoxide detectors education and training to help you protect your business contacts.

1. Conduct research on the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors.

2. Obtain tips on how and where to install carbon monoxide detection systems.

3. Learn more about suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to use a detector for carbon monoxide to keep tenants safe

Most states require that residential and commercial property owners ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed within 15 feet of rooms used for sleeping. The detector can be battery-operated, direct-wired or portable carbon monoxide detectors that plug into an electrical outlet. Business landlords are responsible for installing detectors.

I recommend: You may consider reviewing presentation slides on carbon monoxide detectors or attending one of the various training sessions offered by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. You may also obtain information about carbon monoxide detectors by visiting the City of Aurora, Illinois, website.

Learn how to install detectors of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide detectors can be installed on the ceiling or on the wall. Additionally, you can purchase a portable carbon monoxide detector that plugs into an electrical outlet. Carbon monoxide detectors come packaged with installation and maintenance instructions from carbon monoxide detector manufacturers. It's important that you follow those instructions precisely to ensure proper operation of your carbon monoxide detection system.

I recommend: Check out FDNY Foundation to obtain instructions on installing carbon monoxide detectors. You may also obtain carbon monoxide detector installation tips by visiting the City of New York website.

Consider several factors when purchasing carbon monoxide detectors for use in your business

You should never purchase carbon monoxide detectors solely due to price. Some suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors certify that their devices have been laboratory-tested, while others don't. To be on the safe side, you should always look for Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) certification on carbon monoxide detection systems. Learn more about certification through research.

I recommend: You may consider checking out ConsumerSearch to obtain education about various carbon monoxide manufacturers. You may also consider obtaining carbon monoxide installation guidelines from Home Security.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's important that you buy and strategically place carbon monoxide detectors throughout any property owned and/or operated by you, but detectors shouldn't be a replacement for taking the necessary safety precautions to properly use and maintain fuel-burning appliances.

Carbon monoxide detectors are small tools that can potentially save your life. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, so is impossible to detect without a warning device. Find suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors online for an instrument suitable for your home or workplace. A detector for carbon monoxide may be battery-operated or plug into a wall outlet. If your job requires venturing into areas where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is high, purchase portable carbon monoxide detectors to keep you safe.

Some states require the installation of a carbon monoxide detection system in all new home units. If you're constructing new homes, be sure to comply with all safety standards and install carbon monoxide detectors as needed. These instruments come in many varieties that you can find and choose from after a quick search on the web. Know your options, including:

1. Find wholesale suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors for deals on bulk purchases.
2. Buy portable carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Find standard battery-operated or plug-in detectors, or purchase instruments that double as smoke alarms.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase carbon monoxide detection systems in bulk

Find carbon monoxide detector manufacturers that sell bulk products at wholesale prices for the best deal. Having bulk quantities of carbon monoxide detectors is useful if you work in home construction, installing home safety systems, or any line of work where you'll be installing detectors in multiple households.

I recommend: Get a deal on carbon monoxide detectors from Resculite. Choose from a variety of models from multiple carbon monoxide detector manufacturers. Choose from over 50 different types of detectors from SmokeSign.com and get deals on bulk orders.

Find a portable carbon monoxide detector

Portable carbon monoxide detectors are useful in many situations. Keep one handy if you're venturing into a home or building with a suspected leak, store one in your car to be warned of any fumes accumulating in your vehicle, or carry one with you while traveling to hotels or homes where you can't be sure of the air quality. Portable carbon monoxide detectors are also useful in the cockpits of airplanes to warn pilots of potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

I recommend: Safety First sells a portable carbon monoxide alarm that easily clips to your car's sun visor or your belt. See MyPilotStore.com for a carbon monoxide detector specifically designed for pilots. Use its adhesive backing to stick it to the dashboard or an ID tag, or use it in a variety of other locations including your car or truck.

Buy a detector for carbon monoxide that offers other safety features

Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are both essential items for home and business safety, alerting you to problems before you've detected them yourself. Find a carbon monoxide detector supplier that sells models doubling as smoke alarms for twice the safety in one small instrument.

I recommend: SelectSafetySales.com sells a variety of Kidde carbon monoxide detectors that work as smoke alarms as well. Compare combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors from multiple manufacturers at NexTag.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Manufacturers and suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors will often sell other detection equipment, including smoke alarms, radon detectors, and propane detectors, so it's easy to find a single source for all the air monitoring systems you need.

Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors are important devices to install within your home or business. Most fixed and portable carbon monoxide detectors monitor levels of the poisonous gas in a room, which is especially important since carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Carbon monoxide results when wood, natural gas, kerosene and other fuels do not properly burn due to lack of oxygen. Examples of carbon monoxide sources include improperly installed or malfunctioned generators, water heaters, gas dryers and fireplaces. The lack of carbon monoxide detection systems can cause poisoning and death if the gas happens to be present in the home or business.

Resources for carbon monoxide detectors installation and maintenance usually come in the form of user manuals and articles, support services and education and training that revolves around proper installation and care. To learn more about carbon monoxide detectors, and how and where to install and maintain them:

1. Gather information on fixed, standalone and portable carbon monoxide detectors.

2. Consider some educational and training resources that emphasize the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and how to install them.

3. Learn tips for maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, or look for carbon monoxide detector manufacturers that also offer customer support.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do your homework on the types and configurations of carbon monoxide detectors

Choose carbon monoxide detectors and alarms with the right specifications to monitor the appropriate areas of the home or business.

I recommend: Conspec Controls manufactures carbon monoxide detection systems that are suitable for parking garages, boiler rooms, warehouses and more. Hazardous Gas Detectors supplies direct hookup and remote-sensor carbon monoxide detectors used for telecommunications. Input power ranges from 12 volts to 48 volts. The Home Depot also publishes installation and safety considerations when installing carbon monoxide detectors.

Learn about carbon monoxide detectors through training resources

Find suppliers of carbon monoxide detectors or municipal resources that offer seminars, training sessions or guides about the use of carbon monoxide detection systems.

I recommend: The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in Massachusetts provides printable resources for carbon monoxide detector training and safety. The Vermont Department of Public Safety also provides information and education on carbon monoxide detection systems. Search for carbon monoxide detector manual downloads and service information at Interscan.

Read tips for maintaining carbon monoxide detectors

Find guidelines and learn about tasks to keep your carbon monoxide detection system working properly.

I recommend: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gives carbon monoxide prevention tips, presents information on where to buy carbon monoxide detectors, and offers guidance on what to do if the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds. Articles regarding the maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors can be found at the DoItYourself website.