Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly. CO is a common by-product of burning flammable fuels. It can be emitted by gas or woodburning fireplaces, gas or oil furnaces, gas stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, portable heaters or charcoal grills. Elevated levels can be caused by auto exhaust, backdrafts, clogged chimneys or improper venting.

Exposure to CO may cause confusion, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, shortness of breath, symptoms which mimic the flu or substance abuse. Excessive exposure can cause seizures, unconsciousness and death. Usually, all occupants, or more than one will be affected by CO at the same time. Pregnant women, young children, pets the elderly and those with medical conditions are more susceptible than healthy adults.

Life safety is our first priority.

1. Carbon Monoxide DETECTORS - devices used in occupancies to detect the presence of CO. There are two basic types of detectors.

   1. Gel Type - battery operated, cumulative. They often look and sound very much like smoke detectors. These detectors simulate the effects of CO on blood. They react to prolonged low level exposure or sudden high level exposure. The color of the sensor gel changes from translucent orange to black. They have three alarm modes - low battery, early warning and full alarm. Once activated, the gel sensor must be exposed to fresh air to clear itself.

   2. Electronic - plug in or hard wired. These detectors cycle every 2 1/2 minutes, measuring carbon monoxide molecules which accumulate on an electronic sensor, purging and then measuring again. In general, these detectors are less sensitive than the gel type and alarm when CO levels approach 100 ppm.

2. Carbon Monoxide METERS - portable devices used by emergency responder to detect the presence of CO.

1. Full turnout gear with SCBA.
   

2. Carbon monoxide metering equipment, when available.
   

3. Portable explosion proof lighting and explosion proof ventilating fans, portable radio.
   

4. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Emergency Report and CO Detector Sensor Exam Chart.
   

1. INITIAL RESPONSE - trucks 7, 8 and 2 shall respond in that order.

2. UPON ARRIVAL - initially responding units shall:

   1. Establish command in accordance with Company Incident Command System (ICS) procedures.

   2. Use the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Emergency Report to determine whether any of the occupants are exhibiting symptoms of CO poisoning. If the occupants can not be found, assume they have symptoms.

3. OCCUPANTS EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS

   1. Firefighters entering the premises must wear full turnout gear with SCBA, use only explosion proof lighting and maintain radio contact. A similarly equipped crew must provide backup.

   2. Evacuate all occupants and ventilate the building. Remember, CO exposure may cause confusion or unconsciousness. A thorough search may be necessary.

   3. Ensure appropriate medical care. Those exposed to CO (without other injuries such as burns, trauma, etc.) should be transported to the hyperbaric chamber at Millard Fillmore - Gates Circle if:

      1. They were unconscious for any amount of time.

      2. They are confused or experiencing neurological deficit (numbness, tingling).

   4. Verify that the alarm is indeed from a CO detector, not a smoke detector.

      1. If the alarm is from a smoke detector, notify Command to advise dispatch of an appropriate response and investigate the cause of the alarm.

      2. If the alarm is from a CO detector, determine if it is:

         • due to improper placement - detectors should be at least 15 feet from appliances and humid areas.
           

         • low battery alarm - chirps about once a minute.
           

         • an early warning alarm - sounds for 3 to 5 seconds every five minutes.
           

         • a full alarm - long and continuous.

      3. Compare the color of the gel sensors (if so equipped) with the CO Detector Sensor Exam Chart.

   5. Investigate and if possible, mitigate sources of CO.

   6. Notify National Fuel if natural gas appliances are present and:

      1. Occupants have symptoms and need medical attention.

      2. It is the second CO alarm activation in 48 hours.

      3. The Incident Commander feels it's necessary.

   7. Complete 2 copies of the CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM EMERGENCY REPORT. Copy one is for Fire Company records, give copy two to the occupants.

   8. Inform the occupants of your findings, their responsibilities, and any actions taken which could affect them (appliances turned off, windows opened, etc.). Reset the detector and advise occupants to call 911 if it reactivates.

4. OCCUPANTS WITHOUT SYMPTOMS

   1. Verify that the alarm is indeed from a CO detector, not a smoke detector.

      1. If the alarm is from a smoke detector, notify Command to advise dispatch of an appropriate response and investigate the cause of the alarm.

      2. If the alarm is from a CO detector, determine if it is:

         • due to improper placement - detectors should be at least 15 feet from appliances and humid areas.
           

         • low battery alarm - chirps about once a minute.
           

         • an early warning alarm - sounds for 3 to 5 seconds every five minutes.
           

         • a full alarm - long and continuous.
           

      3. If the detector is in FULL ALARM, DON SCBA. Evacuate all occupants and ventilate the building. Investigate and if possible, mitigate sources of CO.

   2. Complete 2 copies of the CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM EMERGENCY REPORT. Copy one is for Fire Company records, give copy two to the occupants.

   3. Inform the occupants of your findings, their responsibilities, and any actions taken which could affect them (appliances turned off, windows opened, etc.). Reset the detector and advise occupants to call 911 if it reactivates.

5. USE OF CO METER - life safety is the first priority. If any occupants exhibit symptoms, use SCBA, evacuate all occupants and ventilate the building. The meter is used to determine the level and source of carbon monoxide inside a building.

   1. Prepare the meter according to manufacturer's instructions.

   2. Investigate, measure, and if possible, mitigate sources of CO. Any level over 100 ppm requires SCBA. Evacuate all occupants and ventilate the building.

   3. Notify National Fuel if natural gas appliances are present and:

      1. Meter indicates CO level over 100 ppm.

      2. Occupants have symptoms and need medical attention.

      3. It is the second CO alarm activation in 48 hours.

      4. The Incident Commander feels it's necessary.

   4. Complete 2 copies of the CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM EMERGENCY REPORT. Copy one is for Fire Company records, give copy two to the occupants.

   5. Inform the occupants of your findings, their responsibilities, and any actions taken which could affect them (appliances turned off, windows opened, etc.). Reset the detector and advise occupants to call 911 if it reactivates.