GAMA Revises Policy Related to Installation of CO Alarms

The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has announced a revised policy for the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
GAMA now supports mandates for the installation of CO alarms in residences containing only fuel-fired appliances, and urges that the mandate be broadened to include all residences regardless of their heating source.
GAMA’s previous policy was to support only mandates requiring the installation of CO alarms in all residences.
GAMA recommends CO alarms installed in residences should:
• be listed to ANSI UL 2034, Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms or CSA 6.19, Residential Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• be installed outside each sleeping area, according to NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Warning Equipment in Dwelling Units
• have a battery backup to operate during power outages.
GAMA reports that in 2007, 13 states introduced and/or passed legislation requiring installation of CO alarms. Maryland and Florida have passed legislation requiring installation of CO alarms. Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia have introduced such measures.
Visit www.gamanet.org for more information.