Carbon Monoxide Analyst Protocol

INTRODUCTION

The Carbon Monoxide standards and best practices outlined in this document are designed to provide a protocol for those building technicians and investigators attempting to determine whether potential exists for CO to enter a house. This may be in preventative cases, where a homeowner is concerned about the dangers of CO, or in reactive situations where CO detectors have alarmed or occupants have become ill from exposure. Many institutions and organizations, such as the medical community, utility and fire fighting groups, have CO standards for their use under specific situations. Often these standards deal only with one portion of the home, or certain pieces of equipment.

In order to enable accurate diagnosis of carbon monoxide threats, the analysts must expand their view of a house and its individual components. All of the systems of a building - HVAC, building shell, occupant behavior - as well as outdoor conditions, act in an interrelated fashion. CO Analysts must learn to look beyond specific sources of CO to determine why a problem may begin, where one never existed before. Often, it takes a number of circumstances happening concurrently in order for a hazard to occur. The CO Analyst must learn how these systems interact, what sets of circumstances may lead to CO entering a home, and a logical process for investigating all of these factors when analyzing a building for CO.

The goal of this protocol is to provide a standardized set of practices for HVAC contractors, utility personnel, fire departments, home inspectors, and the building performance industry that will, when implemented, lead to accurate diagnoses of potential or actual sources of carbon monoxide within residences. These practices will be comprehensive in nature, examining the interactions of all building systems within the home, both with each other and with external conditions. This protocol will facilitate implementing the proper treatment to alleviate potential and actual exposure to CO by occupants of buildings through accurate, thorough, initial inspections.

The Standards and Best Practices listed in this document are non-fuel specific except where noted. They form the basis of the CO Analyst Protocol. This protocol has been designed by the Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Advisory Council and serves as a means of defining minimum standards for the response industry. It must be realized that any government agency or business entity may choose to uphold higher standards than the protocol defines. Consistent with the Building Performance Institute's other certifications, the protocol has been arranged into a format of standards and best practices. These standards are intended to be reflective of a field-based approach to doing work. BPI defines standard in this context as - to the extent practical, the measurable goal of a set of best practices or procedures. Best practice is defined as - by common agreement an action, activity, protocol or technique that is the state of the practice. In other words, standards are what a worker needs to do and best practices are how to do it.

Job Title:

Carbon Monoxide Analyst - This individual may be self-employed or be employed by a utility, heating contractor, building department, fire department, public health department, home inspection company, equipment manufacturer/supplier or weatherization organization. Duties will include: operation and maintenance of test equipment; conducting thorough visual inspection of the building and combustion sources; ability to perform comprehensive ambient CO analyses and perform CO tests on equipment found in a typical building (vented heating appliance, domestic hot water, kitchen range/oven, unvented heating appliances). Once tests are completed, the analyst will interpret results, determine follow-up steps and perform occupant education. This job designation is designed to serve as a mean competency for responders from all sectors. It is not intended to serve as a mitigation certification. This is a first step, front line certification for those personnel who are first in the door answering a CO complaint or are responsible for inspections ascertaining CO safety.

Carbon Monoxide Analyst Test Equipment

Analysts shall have a digital CO analyzer and a draft gauge to assist CO investigations. Differential pressure manometers, blower doors and duct blasters are also useful in conducting these investigations but are not required for personnel working at the CO Analyst level.

Standard - CO Testing Instruments

• Carbon Monoxide test instruments must meet the following minimum requirements.
• Digital display capable of measuring 1 - 2 ppm increments @ 5 - 10% accuracy (COMMENT)
• Scale to read at least up to 500 ppm.
• Reach 90% of final reading within one minute.
• Have a probe/hose assembly for flue gas sampling capable of withstanding high temperatures and the ability to remove water vapor from the combustion by-products.
• Ability for continuous sampling

Best Practices - CO Test Instruments

• CO test equipment can be affected by heat, cold, humidity, battery strength and mishandling.
• Always warm up and operate the instrument per manufacturer instructions.

Best Practices -Calibration of CO Testing Equipment

• Instruments must be calibrated per manufacturer instructions or when accuracy is in doubt.
• Field zeroing of the instrument should only be done with test gases as described in the owner's manual.
• Factory or other certified calibration must be performed at recommended intervals. Do not re-zero instruments for individual houses.
• Re-zeroing an instrument without test gases may result in readings that are not absolute or accurate.
• Zeroing of instruments should never be attempted on a job. Temperature, battery level, truck exhaust and other factors can affect zeroing.
• A constant need to zero indicates an instrument or operator error.
• Zeroing an instrument in the field eliminates reading the true ambient level.

Carbon Monoxide Action Levels

Standard for Action Levels
The following action levels have been defined as minimums for BPI certified Carbon Monoxide Analysts. Analysts may work for a government agency or business entity that has adopted more stringent standards than the ones defined in this document. As such, CO Analysts may enforce those higher standards. Under no circumstances shall a BPI certified CO Analyst recognize less stringent standards or ignore conditions in excess of the defined action levels. The action levels are considered net indoor ambient readings - i.e. - indoor ambient minus outdoor ambient readings.

0 to 9 parts per million (ppm)
Normal - No Action: Typical from: outdoor sources, fumes from attached garages, heavy smoking, fireplace spillage and operation of unvented combustion appliances. With ambient conditions in this range, analysts may continue testing sequences.

10 to 35 parts per million (ppm)
Marginal: This level could become problematic in some situations. Actions: Occupants should be advised of a potential health hazard to small children, elderly people and persons suffering from respiratory or heart problems. If the home has an attached garage, document CO levels in garage. Accept this level as normal for unvented appliances but not for vented appliances. If unvented appliances are in operation, recommend additional ventilation in the areas of operation. With ambient conditions in this range, analysts may continue testing to locate the CO source.

36 to 99 parts per million (ppm)
Excessive: Medical Alert. Conditions must be mitigated. Actions: Ask occupants to step outside and query about health symptoms. Advise occupants to seek medical attention. If occupants exhibit any symptoms of CO poisoning, have someone drive them to a medical facility. Enter the building, open doors and windows to ventilate the structure. Turn off all combustion appliances until the CO level has been reduced to safe levels. If forced air equipment is available, continuos operation of the air handler is recommended at this time. If the home has an attached garage, document CO levels in garage. Test combustion appliances one at a time to determine the source of CO production. If an appliance is determined to be the source of CO production, it should be shut off and not used until a qualified technician with proper test equipment can service it.

100 - 200 parts per million (ppm)
Dangerous: Medical Alert. Emergency conditions exist. Actions: Evacuate the building immediately and check occupants for health symptoms. Advise all occupants to seek medical attention. Occupants should have someone else drive them to a medical facility. If occupants exhibit symptoms of CO poisoning, emergency service personnel must be called. Evacuation is important, but Analysts must not subject themselves to excessive conditions. Maximum exposure time is 15 minutes. Open all doors and windows that can be done quickly. If the home has an attached garage, document CO levels in garage. Disable combustion appliance operation. Continually monitor indoor ambient levels while moving through the building. Once the atmosphere within the structure has returned to safe levels and the appliances have been turned back on, locate the source of CO production for corrective measures.

Greater than 200 parts per million (ppm)
Dangerous: Medical Alert. Emergency conditions exist. Actions: Evacuate the building immediately and check occupants for health symptoms. Advise all occupants to seek medical attention. Occupants should have someone else drive them to medical facility. If occupants exhibit symptoms of CO poisoning, emergency service personnel must be called. Evacuation is important, but analysts must not subject themselves to these conditions. Do not stay inside or re-enter the building until conditions have dropped below 100 ppm. Open all doors and windows that can be done quickly without entering the structure. Call the local utility to shut off gas supply (if applicable and necessary). If the home has an attached garage, document CO levels in garage if possible to do so without being subjected to high levels of CO. Once the atmosphere within the structure has returned to safe levels, restore fuel supply to appliances. Operate and test the appliances one at a time to determine the source of CO production.

Classification of CO Analyses

Standard - Classification of CO Analyses
Inspections conducted by BPI certified CO Analysts must be classified either routine or priority. This will be determined by conditions prompting the request for a CO inspection. For CO Analyses conducted as a part of heating system maintenance, these analyses shall be considered routine unless the customer exhibits or complains of CO symptoms. Classification of CO inspections resulting from a customer request will be determined by information provided by the customer at the time of initial contact, preferably over the phone. This is done to ensure an adequate response in situations where a customer's health may be endangered. Conduct a short interview to adequately determine the prioritization of the CO inspection request.

Best Practices - CO Inspection Classification

• All customers reporting they or someone in the home may have symptoms of CO poisoning will be treated as a priority.
• Customers requesting a routine safety inspection shall be queried for manifestations of CO poisoning symptoms. The call must be treated as a priority if the caller reports symptoms, otherwise it may be classified as a routine inspection.
• Customers requesting an inspection due to a CO detector alarm will be classified as a priority.
• Anytime a customer reports evidence of potential CO poisoning symptoms, advise them to vacate the premises and wait outside or next door for the inspector.
• Any requests receiving priority status must be immediately responded to. If immediate response is not possible, notify another certified analyst or contact utility/emergency response personnel.
• Requests classified as routine may be scheduled accordingly.

CO Inspection Protocol

Standard CO Inspection
A comprehensive protocol will be adhered to by BPI certified CO Analysts. This protocol includes: Ambient CO Level Testing, Client Interview, Building Inspection, Equipment Testing, Detector Utilization and Customer Education.

Standard - CO Testing, Ambient Levels
Accepted CO protocol should be followed, upon request of testing, whenever CO contamination is suspected, and when combustion appliances are serviced. Ambient levels will be tested before and after any work is done. All readings will be recorded. Ambient tests must be performed prior to conducting the client interview and/or inspections of the dwelling.

Best Practices - Measuring Ambient CO Levels

• Ensure your instrument has been "warmed up" per manufacturer instructions.
• Measure actual outdoor ambient CO away from any potential source; auto, sidewall vented appliances, etc.
• Record outdoor reading as a baseline reference point.
• Proceed into the building entrance for an initial indoor CO ambient reading.
• Subtract outdoor reading from any indoor reading to determine the magnitude of any CO problem found within the home.
• Record the results found at the entrance, just inside the building.
• Determine if atmosphere is safe for continued testing. See action levels.
• If action levels dictate a response follow Standard for Action Levels. If conditions are deemed safe, proceed with customer interview.

Standard - Occupant Interview
An interview with the building occupant(s) is an essential component of all CO testing. The occupants may describe when they have problems and/or what they think might be causing it. A history of health symptoms and possible CO occurrences may help to pinpoint any potential problems. CO Analysts shall conduct an occupant interview as a part of every inspection.

Best Practices - Client Interview

• Perform interview in an area safe from CO exposure.
• Inquire about health problems.
• Question occupants to see if they have experienced any specific CO poisoning symptoms including: headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid breathing, fatigue, unconsciousness, disorientation, or flue like symptoms.
• Ask if anyone else in the home has shown signs of experiencing these symptoms.
• If anyone appears to be experiencing symptoms, refer them to medical evaluation (see action levels).
• Ask about unusual moisture problems.
• Ask about recent mechanical problems.
• Ask if a vehicle has been in or out of the garage recently (if applicable).
• Ask if oven or range was in use. Ask if the fireplace was in use (if applicable).
• Ask if occupants were doing laundry or vent fans were in use.
• Repeat customer health inquiries if a serious CO problem is found and the occupants have not acknowledged any symptoms previously.
• Reference action levels.

Standard - Building Inspection
A walk through inspection of the structure is necessary to ensure no potential source of CO production is missed. Utilize a standardized recording form to ensure no potential source is missed and document all findings for future reference.

Best Practices - CO Recording Form
Use a standardized CO recording form when performing a CO inspection. Include:

• Company, technician, date and time of testing.
• Client and physical location.
• Interview information including health symptoms.
• Smokers in the structure.
• Is this an emergency situation or routine procedure - inspection classification.
• Listing of normal CO sources to be inspected and results from testing those sources.
• Location of all Combustion Appliance Zones.
• Mechanical and passive ventilation within the structure.
• Type of fuels in use.
• Location and numbers of smoke and CO detectors.
• Make, model numbers and type of detectors.
• Attached or detached garage.
• Potential exterior sources of CO production.
• Type, model and serial numbers of combustion appliances.
• Vent system condition for each appliance (if vented).
• Weather conditions of the day.
• Action taken.
• Follow-up

Best Practices - Building Walk Through Inspection

• Record all testing information.
• Continually test for ambient CO levels while inspecting each zone.
• Note any CO readings in attached garages.
• Inspect for and record any CO sources near exterior of house (busy street, grills, go-carts, shop with gasoline, power equipment, etc.)
• Identify and inspect each Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) within the building recording number and type of combustion appliances.
• Inspect for and record in each CAZ: the number, type and location of exhaust appliances (bathroom vent fans, kitchen range hoods, dryers, exhausting cook tops).

Best Practices - Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ)

• Specific attention must be paid to CAZ's as these are likely sources of CO production.
• Identify and record location of all CAZ's. Include vented appliances and unvented appliances.
• Inspect venting systems. Note corrosion and flue gas spillage. Inspect flue pipe and where it joins chimney for leakage.
• Questions concerning venting can be checked against manufacturer literature or the following codes: NFPA 211 (solid fuel); NFPA 31 (oil); or NFPA 54 (gas).

Standard - Appliance Testing
All combustion appliances will be tested individually for CO production. If operation of any appliance raises ambient CO concentrations in the dwelling above 35 ppm, the appliance must not be operated by the homeowner until the cause is corrected.

Best Practices - House Preparation
Prior to testing combustion appliances, the house must be set to winter mode.

• Windows closed.
• Exterior doors closed.
• Close equipment room doors.
• Turn off all combustion appliances.

Best Practices - General Procedure for Appliance Testing

• Test vented combustion appliances first.
• Test unvented appliances only after completing vented appliance tests.
• Test common vented appliances individually beginning with the smaller appliance.
• If both appliances pass then test while both are firing.
• Test ambient air in the combustion appliance zone before testing combustion gases.
• Always monitor ambient CO levels to ensure health and safety.
• When ambient levels (space levels) within the CAZ are:
• 0 - 9 ppm Okay to test.
• 10 - 35 ppm Proceed with testing but carefully monitor ambient.
• 36 - 99 ppm Turn appliance off and ventilate area. When ambient CO levels are reduced to safe levels, operate one appliance at a time until source is located. Disable the defective appliance until it can be repaired.
• Greater than 100 ppm Stop testing, shut down the appliance(s), ventilate the area and exit the building. When ambient CO levels are reduced to safe levels, operate one appliance at a time until source is located. Disable the defective appliance until it can be repaired.
• Perform draft tests for all vented combustion appliances creating worst case conditions.
• Once each combustion appliance has been tested individually for CO, retest the appliances while all are in operation.

Best Practices - Furnace CO Testing

• Test oil fired furnaces in the vent connector before the barometric damper.
• Test low efficiency propane and natural gas furnaces (<80%) at the outlet of each heat exchanger section before the draft diverter or collector box, and before any dilution air. Treat drum type heat exchangers as one cell.
• Test mid (80%) and high (90%) efficiency propane and natural gas furnaces in the vent connector after the draft inducer. Drill a hole in the vent pipe 12" to 18" above the outlet thimble. This hole must be sealed after testing is complete.
• CO readings should peak, drop, then stabilize within 5 minutes. If CO readings continue to climb for more than five minutes the condition must be considered unsafe and corrected - even if CO levels are still below 100 ppm.
• If highest single CO readings are:
• 0 - 99 ppm conditions are acceptable.
• 100 - 200 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• 200 - 400 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected immediately. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• Greater than 400 ppm Conditions are considered unsafe. The appliance must be disabled and not run (even if no CO is detected in the ambient space) until the condition is corrected.
• Readings in all cells of the heat exchanger should be taken several times over a five minute period to verify stability.
• After the initial CO test on the furnace, any additional appliances venting air from the structure should be turned on one at a time to see if they affect operation. Continuous readings on the furnace should show no change in CO readings. Do not perform this stress test on units producing CO greater than 200 ppm, however conduct draft test.
• During this test , perform a draft test on the furnace. Draft gauge probe should be inserted above the draft hood or diverter. Normal draft is between .01" and .02" W.C.
• Any draft below .01"WC is a potential draft problem.
• Additional doors should be opened or closed at this time to see if their position has any affect on draft.
• Any reduction in draft when other appliances are turned on indicates a problem even if no carbon monoxide is measured. Undersized flue pipe, restricted chimney or negative pressure in the CAZ is indicated.
• Any vented appliance spilling CO should be not be operated until the problem is corrected.
• Visual signs of rust and black or white soot on the appliance cabinet or inside the vestibule may indicate unsafe operation even if no elevated CO readings are found in the CO testing sequence.

Best Practices - Furnace Burner Light-off and Peak Test (Propane and Natural Gas only)

• A light-off test should be taken after one cycle at the farthest burner from the pilot.
• CO readings that peak above 400 ppm at this point can indicate pilot, igniter, or burner problems.
• Fire the unit, observe for peak CO.
• When the appliance shuts off from the light off test, testing should continue in one heat exchanger cell for a period of 60 seconds.
• Increase of CO readings following shut down may indicate a leaky fuel valve or pump.

Best Practices - Boiler CO Testing

• Test oil fired boilers in the vent connector before the barometric damper.
• Test low efficiency propane and natural gas boilers (<80%) at the outlet of each heat exchanger section before the draft diverter or collector box, and before any dilution air.
• Test mid (80%) and high (90%) efficiency propane and natural gas boilers in the vent connector after the draft inducer. Drill a hole in the vent pipe 12" to 18" above the outlet thimble. This hole must be sealed after testing is complete.
• CO readings should peak, drop, then stabilize within 5 minutes. If CO readings continue to climb for more than five minutes the condition must be considered unsafe and corrected - even if CO levels are still below 100 ppm.
• If highest single CO readings are:
• 0 - 99 ppm conditions are acceptable
• 100 - 200 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• 200 - 400 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected immediately. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• Greater than 400 ppm Conditions are considered unsafe. The appliance must be disabled and not run (even if no CO is detected in the ambient space) until the condition is corrected.
• Readings in all cells of the heat exchanger should be taken several times over a five minute period to verify stability.
• After the initial CO test on the furnace, any additional appliances venting air from the structure should be turned on one at a time to see if they affect operation. Continuous readings on the furnace should show no change in CO readings. Do not perform this stress test on units producing CO greater than 200 ppm, however conduct draft test.
• During this test , perform a draft test on the furnace. Draft gauge probe should be inserted above the draft hood or diverter. Normal draft is between .01" and .02" W.C.
• Any draft below .01"WC is a potential draft problem.
• Additional doors should be opened or closed at this time to see if their position has any affect on draft.
• Any reduction in draft when other appliances are turned on indicates a problem even if no carbon monoxide is measured. Undersized flue pipe, restricted chimney or negative pressure in the CAZ is indicated.
• Any vented appliance spilling CO should be not be operated until the problem is corrected.
• Visual signs of rust and black or white soot on the appliance cabinet or inside the vestibule may indicate unsafe operation even if no elevated CO readings are found in the CO testing sequence.

Best Practices - Boiler Burner Light-off and Peak Test (Propane and Natural Gas only)

• A light-off test should be taken after one cycle at the farthest burner from the pilot.
• CO readings that peak above 400 ppm at this point can indicate pilot, igniter, or burner problems.
• Fire the unit, observe for peak CO.
• When the appliance shuts off from the light off test, testing should continue in one heat exchanger cell for a period of 60 seconds.
• Increase of CO readings following shut down may indicate a leaky fuel valve or pump.

Best Practices - Domestic Hot Water Tank CO Testing

• Initially test DHW tank with no other appliances or exhaust operating.
• Test Oil fired DHW tanks in the flue before the barometric damper.
• Test Propane or Gas fired tanks in the fire tube on both sides of the baffle.
• CO readings should peak, drop, then stabilize within 5 minutes. If CO readings continue to climb for more than five minutes the condition must be considered unsafe and corrected - even if CO levels are still below 100 ppm.
• If highest single CO readings are:
• 0 - 99 ppm conditions are acceptable
• 100 - 200 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• 200 - 400 ppm at any location, the condition must be considered unsafe and the problem corrected immediately. The unit may be operated minimally if no spillage of flue gas is detected.
• Greater than 400 ppm Conditions are considered unsafe. The appliance must be disabled and not run (even if no CO is detected in the ambient space) until the condition is corrected.
• Readings in all cells of the heat exchanger should be taken several times over a five minute period to verify stability.
• After the initial CO test, any additional appliances venting air from the structure should be turned on one at a time to see if they affect operation. Continuous readings should show no change in CO readings. Do not perform this stress test on units producing CO greater than 200 ppm, however conduct draft test.
• During this test , perform a draft test. Draft gauge probe should be inserted above the draft hood or diverter. Normal draft is between .01" and .02" W.C.
• Any draft below .01"WC is a potential draft problem.
• Additional doors should be opened or closed at this time to see if their position has any affect on draft.
• Any reduction in draft when other appliances are turned on indicates a problem even if no carbon monoxide is measured. Undersized flue pipe, restricted chimney or negative pressure in the CAZ is indicated.
• Any vented appliance spilling CO should be not be operated until the problem is corrected.
• Visual signs of rust and black or white soot on the appliance cabinet or inside the vestibule may indicate unsafe operation even if no elevated CO readings are found in the CO testing sequence.

Best Practices - Other Vented Appliances

• Types of appliances such as Space Heaters, Gas Dryers, Gas Fireplaces, Vented Ovens/Ranges.
• These units must be properly vented in accordance with applicable codes.
• Repeat steps from Furnace CO Test Best Practices.

Best Practices - Unvented Appliances - Space Heaters, Gas Fireplaces +

• Should be tested after vented appliance testing is completed.
• Do not leave the CAZ while testing is in progress.
• Test unvented appliances 6 inches above the flame, or insert the instrument probe into the vent sleeve before dilution air has an opportunity to be mixed in with flue gases.
• Less than 50 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes of operation - OK
• 50 - 99 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes of operation - Marginal. Have the appliance serviced
• Greater than 100 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes - Unsafe. The appliance should not be used until repaired.

Best Practices - Ranges and Ovens
Ovens

• Should be tested after vented appliance testing is completed.
• Do not leave the CAZ while testing is in progress.
• For oven tests, remove any items stored in the oven before proceeding.
• Remove foil coverings from broil areas.
• Make sure that self-cleaning features are not activated. This may produce excessive levels of CO.
• Test ovens by inserting the instrument probe into the vent sleeve before dilution air mixes with combustion by-products.
• Continually test ovens during warm up and record peak. (10 minutes)
• CO levels greater than 400 ppm during warm up or levels that stay high for several minutes before decreasing indicate potential problems and should be serviced or replaced.
• For units with separate broiler burner, repeat test.
• Continually monitor ambient space around oven during testing.
• Note: Electric ovens with excessive buildup or in self cleaning mode may produce carbon monoxide.

Range Top

• Test after vented appliance testing is completed.
• Do not leave the CAZ while testing is in progress.
• Remove all pots and foil from the burner area.
• Turn all range top burners on high and allow to warm.
• Test 6" above the flame without pots or test fixtures.
• When an unvented stove/range is found in a building, stress the need for a strategy to vent pollutants to the outdoor atmosphere.
• Less than 50 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes of operation - OK
• 50 - 99 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes of operation - Marginal. Have the appliance serviced
• Greater than 100 ppm after 2 - 3 minutes - Unsafe. The appliance should not be used until repaired.

Best Practices - Wood Burning Appliances

• Wood appliances always produce high levels of CO during operation. No flue gas spillage must occur.
• Continually test ambient CO levels with normal household appliances operating; exhaust vents, air handler blower on, heating appliance operating, clothes dryer, etc.
• Perform a draft test on the wood flue for vented appliances if they are in operation.
• Ensure no spillage occurs from fireplaces through the operation furnace blowers, range vents dryers and exhaust fans.
• Note proximity of furnace cold air returns to fireplace.
• Test fireplaces for CO above hearth near the wall. This is an ideal spot for CO detector.

Standard - Retest Ambient
After completion of appliance CO testing, ambient CO tests in all zones should be re-tested to ensure no change in CO from initial tests.

Standard - CO Detectors
Upon completion of a CO analysis, check all CO detectors in the home to ensure proper maintenance and operation. Analysts should recommend CO detector installation near bedrooms and in all CAZ's. Detectors that provide warnings between 35 - 99 ppm are recommended - especially if small children, elderly or persons with health problems occupy the building. Detectors that maintain operation during power outages ( battery powered or battery back-up) provide additional safety. Detectors should have the capability of being mounted at eye level or higher. Digital detectors can provide the earliest warning, but only when visually observed. Detectors should meet current standards, UL2034 or IAS 6-96 (subject to change). Installing one battery detector near sleeping areas and one digital detector in living areas where it can be easily observed is an excellent protection strategy.

Best Practices - CO Detectors

• Follow detector manufacturer's recommendations for installation and maintenance.
• If only one detector is installed, it should be located near the bedrooms, mounted high in an area of good airflow.
• Install CO detectors in all combustion appliance zones (CAZs)
• Areas containing unvented combustion appliances and those with wood burning stoves or fireplaces should have a digital CO detector.

Standard - Client Education
CO Analysts shall work with the occupants requesting the analysis to inform them about: the test results on their house, potential sources of CO in homes, causes of CO production, how to minimize risk of CO poisoning, proper maintenance of HVAC equipment and detector placement/maintenance.

Best Practices - Client Education

• Thoroughly review the results of the CO analysis with the customer. Explain to them you are going to discuss sources of CO, causes for its production and then develop a protection strategy for their home.
• Discuss with the customer all potential sources of CO production. Include the following: outside sources such as roads; automobiles in attached garages; other gasoline powered equipment such as generators; indoor combustion appliances such as heating systems, DHW heaters, kitchen ranges; gas or wood fired fireplaces; self cleaning ovens; and unvented space heaters.
• Inform the occupants about the causes of CO production. Include: normal by-product from internal combustion engines, incomplete combustion, insufficient air, lack of maintenance, improper equipment set-up and impingement restricting the combustion process.
• Discuss strategies to minimize risk of CO build-up in the home. Include: never warming up car in garage, providing ventilation where fireplaces/unvented space heaters are in use, vent use for kitchen range and annual servicing of combustion appliances by trained professionals knowledgeable in the use of CO testing equipment.
• Develop in conjunction with the customer a protection strategy for their home which shall include: maintenance schedules for appliances including occupant performed tasks such as filter changing, adequate CO detector coverage and maintenance of detectors, operation of ventilation systems, and use/operation of fireplaces/unvented space heaters.