Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector for My Business?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Low levels of the colorless and odorless gas are a product of animal metabolic processes. Higher concentrations of carbon monoxide are lethal to humans and animal life because the gas combines with hemoglobin and severely restricts the delivery of oxygen to the cells in your body.

Regulations in most states require carbon monoxide detector installation in residential buildings and homes that use burning fuel for heat, hot water or cooking. The regulations are less certain where commercial property is concerned because state regulations vary widely and the majority of those in force apply mainly to residential and tourist accommodations.

• Any equipment uses burning fuel

• You operate a warehouse facility

• Your business is a hotel or B&B

• Your business includes enclosed parking areas

• Your employees or contractors operate propane-powered equipment

Carbon monoxide detectors may not be needed if your business does not use or operate equipment that uses burning fuel or does not have enclosed areas for parking. Making sure your employees and customers are safe is your legal responsibility. A recent study by the Center for Disease Control indicates up to 600 workplace fatalities yearly due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure.

Evaluate your business carefully to see if any area is more likely to expose your workers or customers to carbon monoxide. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in those areas can keep your employees from being one of the CDC 600.

CO gas build-up happens quickly and often is due to operating propane-powered equipment such as forklifts or floor buffing and polishing equipment. Use of gas or propane powered equipment, even in ventilated areas, may cause hazardous levels of carbon monoxide.

Find out what your legal responsibilities are by checking with your state or provincial department of labor. In many cases, state laws supersede federal regulations in matters involving workplace safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate issues of workplace safety and mandates maximum safe levels of CO gas indoors.  

Make an investment in safety by installing an alarm equipped carbon monoxide detector in any area of your business where there is a risk of exposure. It is the logical solution for keeping your employees and customers safe. In case of an incident, not having detectors installed may leave your company open to fines and expensive legal actions.