Carbon Monoxide

The Ontario Fire Code requires CO alarms to be installed in all homes that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage: 

• On every level of the home including basements
• Outside all sleeping areas 

For extra protection we recommend installing CO alarms inside each bedroom.

• If known, always mount as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
• If the manufacturers recommendations are not known
  • Install on the ceiling whenever possible a minimum of 10cm from the wall
  • If wall mounted place at minimum of 10cm from the ceiling
  • For peaked ceilings install 10 to 90cm away from the peak

• CO is actually almost the same weight as air and, more importantly, it mixes evenly throughout a room. It does not settle at the floor or ceiling. The old advice about placing them near the floor is incorrect and likely came from confusion with other gases like propane, which is heavier than air.

• Test monthly: Press the test button; the alarm should sound. If not, check the battery or replace the alarm.
• Replace batteries once a year or when the low-battery warning sounds.
• Vacuum as per manufacturers instructions: Dust can clog alarms. For battery-powered alarms, vacuum inside gently. For hardwired alarms, shut off power and vacuum only the outside vents. Turn power back on and test.
• Never use detergents or solvents to clean the alarm. Chemicals can

• As per manufacturer recommendations or at least every 7 years, or
• Immediately if it doesn’t work when tested

• Homeowners and landlords in rental properties are responsible for installation, testing and maintenance.

• Familiarize yourself with the regulations of the Residential Tenancies Act. Checking CO alarms is your responsibility and you can do so by providing 24 hours’ notice in writing to the tenant.

• Keep thorough records every time you enter the residence, and the CO alarm is disabled. Make it part of the lease agreement that CO alarms must be maintained. Contact Augusta Fire Rescue as tenants may be charged for disabling alarms if you have proof that you provided them and checked them regularly.

CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas and is often referred to as the “silent killer”. When inhaled it inhibits the blood’s capacity to transport oxygen throughout the body. It can poison the body quickly in high concentrations, or slowly over long periods of time.

• CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, confusion, dizziness, burning eyes, drowsiness or faintness. In the most severe cases, CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and even death. The elderly, children, people with heart or respiratory conditions and pets may experience the effects of CO earlier than others.

• CO is created in appliances that burn fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood. Sometimes these appliances are operated incorrectly or do not operate as designed, causing CO to escape. Automobiles left running in attached garages, gas barbecues operated inside the house, grills or kerosene heaters that are not properly vented, or chimneys or vents that are dirty or plugged may also create unsafe levels of CO.

• Clogged chimney, blocked chimney opening, defective gas or wood burning fireplace, portable heater, improperly installed kitchen range or cook top vent, leaking chimney pipe or flue, cracked heat exchanger, corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe, clothes dryer, auto exhaust fumes from attached garage, operating barbecue in enclosed area such as the garage.