Oregon's New Carbon Monoxide Law HB-3450
The 2009 Oregon Legislature passed HB 3450, the Lofgren and Zander Memorial Act, requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in specific residential applications with carbon monoxide source. The purpose of the bill is to reduce deaths and poisonings from carbon monoxide.
Implementation Dates
April 1, 2011 – When conveying fee title or transferring possession under a land sale contract of one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing that contains a carbon monoxide source, the dwelling or housing must have one or more properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms installed in locations that provide carbon monoxide detection for all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all rentals as of July 1, 2010.
Carbon Monoxide Sources:
• Heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances, and cooking sources using
coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels producing carbon
monoxide
• Products and equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, such
as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers produce
carbon monoxide
• Operating equipment inside an attached garage increases risk of
introduction of carbon monoxide into a living space
Maintenance Tips:
• Most carbon monoxide alarms have a five year warranty
• Manufacturers recommend replacing alarms five years from the date of production
• Test alarms monthly
• Vacuum alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs
• Never disconnect or remove alarm batteries for other use
• For battery operated , replace the 9-volt or AA batteries at least once per year
• Carbon monoxide alarms are not required to have a 10-year batter
• Carbon monoxide/smoke combination alarms are not required to have a 10 year battery
Difference between ionized and photoelectric Alarms:
• Ionization smoke detectors feature a radioactive source within a dual detection chamber. Ionization alarms sense
an unseen change in the electrical conductivity
• Ionization detectors sense smoke invisible to the human eye
• Photoelectric detectors respond to visible by-products of combustion. When enough visible combustibles are
present, the detector sounds an alarm.
Types of carbon monoxide alarms:
Carbon monoxide only alarms: Activated by carbon monoxide
• May be battery-operated, plug-in, or hard-wired
• Battery back-up is recommended for plug-in and hardwired alarms
Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms: Activated by smoke or carbon
monoxide
• Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms must comply with ANSI/UL 217
and ANSI/UL 2034
• Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors must comply with ANSI/UL
268 and ANSI/UL 2075
Ionization smoke/carbon monoxide alarms: Activated by smoke or carbon
monoxide
These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
• 'Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm'
• A lower case letter 'I' for ionization and the word 'ionization'
• The phrase 'contains radioactive material'
Photoelectric smoke/carbon monoxide alarm with voice alarm: Activated by smoke or
carbon monoxide. An audible voice tone speaks the type and location of danger in your
home, when programmed. These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm
with:
• A capital letter 'P' and the word 'photoelectric'
• 'Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm'
Explosive gas & carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by carbon monoxide, propane or
natural/methane gas. These alarms are labeled on either the front or back of the alarm with:
• 'Explosive gas and carbon monoxide alarm' on the front of the alarm
Other Recommendations for placement of carbon monoxide alarms:
• Securely fasten plug in devices to the structure
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a carbon monoxide source,
except a garage intended for parking vehicles.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm system in multi-family dwellings in an enclosed common
area within the building in the common area is connected to a carbon monoxide source
located or attached to the structure and a dwelling unit.
Carbon monoxide alarms should not be installed:
• In garages and kitchens
• In extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas
• In direct sunlight or areas prone to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces such as
ventilated attics, basement, and crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and
porches.
• In electrical outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions
• In turbulent air such as near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns,
or open windows. Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the
sensors.
• Directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a trace
amount of carbon monoxide only upon start-up
• Within 15 feet of heating and cooking appliances, or in or near very humid areas such
as bathrooms
