Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas — a "silent killer". Dangerous CO levels result when oil, kerosene, gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, or wood burns without enough oxygen.
See symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tips to protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning:
- Have your heating system checked and cleaned regularly to ensure it's operating at peak efficiency.
- Ensure that the venting is functional on all fuel-burning appliances that are designed to be vented outdoors.
- Install a fresh air intake duct into each wood-burning fireplace or stove. If that's not possible, be sure to leave a window open when the fireplace or stove is burning.
- Exhaust fans and other equipment that remove air from your home can affect the safe and efficient operation of your fuel-burning equipment. Talk to your heating contractor about ensuring the air in your home is balanced properly.
You should:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector on all levels of your home and especially near bedrooms.
- Ensure that all external vents – such as fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents, and chimneys – are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird's nests, lint, or debris.
- Never idle your vehicle or operate other gasoline powered equipment – mower, chainsaw, snow blower, trimmer, or generator – in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Never operate a barbecue, camp stove, or propane lantern in your home or garage.
- Ensure that the blower (fan) compartment door on your furnace is closed properly.
- Buy equipment that bears an approved safety certification (such as a CSA or UL label). This is your assurance that the equipment was manufactured in accordance with all national safety standards.
- Your furnace needs air to operate properly – make sure your furnace area is open and clear for proper air circulation.
Check plastic venting on boilers and furnaces
If you own a mid-efficient natural gas appliance, check the venting.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s some manufacturers were using high temperature plastic venting on their furnaces, boilers and water heaters. High temperature plastic venting was prone to failure posing a serious safety concern and it was ordered out of service in 1997 by the Manitoba Department of Labour. This product can be recognized by the brand names Selvent, Plexvent and Ultravent. The plastic venting used in combination with a mid-efficient appliance can result in dangerous levels of CO accumulation in the home.
Protect your family with a reliable CO detector
A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide gas. An approved and certified CO detector that is properly installed can help save the lives of your family members.
Test carbon monoxide detectors regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Note: CO detectors provide added safety but are NOT a replacement for the proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning equipment and appliances.
