Carbon Monoxide FOG

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous, odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced during combustion.
• Common sources of CO include furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and vehicles.
• Faulty appliances or unusual conditions can lead to CO being released into living spaces.
• CO poisoning symptoms mimic the flu, including headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, convulsions, unconsciousness, and death in severe cases.

Response Procedures

• Upon arrival, firefighters should interview occupants outside the hazard area.
• Identify any occupants experiencing or having experienced symptoms.
• Locate active CO detectors and combustion equipment.
• Take an initial CO reading at the doorway to assess the level.
• Monitor CO levels at lower and higher levels of the building.
• Don personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) before entering areas with potentially high CO levels.
• Evacuate the building or affected area immediately if a CO reading of 35 ppm or higher is detected.
• Use full turnout gear and SCBA during investigations when CO levels are above 35 ppm.
• Recognize any reading above 9 ppm as an elevated CO level.
• Inform occupants about elevated CO levels.
• Attempt to shut down malfunctioning appliances producing CO and notify utility companies or repair technicians.
• Ventilate the premises using positive pressure or passive ventilation.
• Reoccupy the area at the IC's discretion only after CO levels are safe.
• Advise occupants to contact 911 if the detector reactivates or they suspect a problem.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is deadly.
• It is a byproduct of combustion.
• Many common appliances can produce CO, including furnaces, kitchen stoves, hot water heaters, and automobiles.
• Faulty devices or unusual conditions can release CO into areas where people are present.
• CO Poisoning symptoms mimic the flu, including headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness for low levels.
• Higher level exposure can result in convulsions, unconsciousness, and death.

CO Response Protocol

• Interview occupants outside the suspected hazard area to determine:
  • If anyone is or has been feeling ill.
  • The number and location of activated CO detectors.
  • The location of any combustion equipment or appliances.
• Monitor the lower levels of the building before proceeding to the higher levels.
• Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) before entering areas that could be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
• Utilize full turn-out gear and SCBA during investigation if a reading of 35 ppm or greater is detected.
• If a reading of 9 ppm to 35 ppm is detected:
  • This is considered an above-normal reading.
  • Inform occupants of the elevated CO level detected.
  • If an appliance malfunction is identified, attempt to shut it down and notify the appropriate utility company or repair person.
• Once the premises are ventilated, using positive pressure or passive ventilation, the CO reading is reduced to a safe level, and the Incident Commander (IC) may allow re-occupation.
• Inform occupants to call 911 if the CO detector re-activates or they feel there may be a problem.