Fire Department CO Monitoring Procedures

Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Carbon Monoxide Monitoring

• Standard Operating Line (SOL) SFD.012, Revision 2, was issued on July 17, 2024, and will be reviewed on July 1, 2025.
• The SOL is applicable to all members who may work with CO monitoring equipment.
• The Fire Department is responsible for determining if a CO problem exists and providing emergency medical care if needed.
• To determine the presence of CO, several steps are involved:
  • Prepare the instrument: Ensure the CO monitor is functioning and select an appropriate multi-gas instrument that measures at least O2 and CO.
  • Sample outside air: Take a reading away from the structure and vehicles to establish a background reading.
  • Initial Occupant Contact: Immediately evacuate the structure and call for a medic unit if anyone displays symptoms of CO poisoning (headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation).
  • Test oxygen (O2) content inside the structure: If below 19.5%, SCBA must be used by all personnel entering the structure.
  • Check areas related to the suspected source:
    • Gas-fired appliances: Inspect all furnaces, boilers, space heaters, and gas water heaters for proper flue connection and operation.
    • Gas clothes dryer: Inspect for proper flue connection and take readings while it operates.
    • Fireplace: Take a reading in front of the hearth and ensure proper drafting and flue unobstruction.
    • Other possible sources: Investigate potential CO production from sources like smoking, auto engine exhaust, grills, etc.
  • Document all readings and locations in applicable reports.
• If high CO readings are obtained:
  • Notify the gas company if readings exceed 10 ppm in residential structures and 35 ppm in commercial/industrial structures.
  • Shut off the fuel supply if the source can be easily identified.
  • Ventilate the building as necessary.
• CO detectors in residence:
  • Recommend occupants check their detectors according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Fire personnel should not disconnect or deactivate any homeowner-owned CO detectors.
• CO is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can be deadly.
• Many home appliances can produce CO under faulty conditions, and the source may not always be easily detectable.
• This SOL clarifies the responsibilities and procedures of the Fire Department in responding to potential CO incidents, ensuring both public safety and appropriate emergency response measures.

Figure 1 Carbon Monoxide Levels Graphic

• A chart titled "Carbon Monoxide Levels Chart" showing levels of carbon monoxide and corresponding health effects.

References & Related Policies

• Applicable references and policies include: NFPA, OSHA, State/Federal Statutes, Spring FD, TCFP, Kidde CO Levels, Other CO Levels, OSHA CO Poisoning, ISO and TFCA.

Disclaimer

• This is an internal policy and does not expand a member's legal duty or civil liability. It does not create a duty to act or a higher duty of care for third-party civil claims. Violations of this policy can only be addressed through administrative action.

Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Protocol

• Fire Department personnel are responsible for determining if a CO problem exists and providing emergency medical care if needed.
• Fire Department personnel must use a multi-gas instrument that measures both O2 and CO.
  • The instrument must be allowed to fully pass all self-tests before use.
• All occupants must be evacuated from the structure immediately.
• If any occupant displays symptoms of CO poisoning, a medic unit must be called.
• Areas related to the suspected source of CO must be tested for CO levels.
• Areas to be checked include:
  • Furnaces, boilers, and space heaters
    • Check that the flue is connected and unobstructed.
    • Obtain readings before and during operation.
  • Gas water heater
    • Check that the flue is connected.
    • Obtain readings while the water heater is fired.
  • Clothes dryer
    • Check that the flue is connected.
    • Obtain readings while the dryer is operating.
  • Fireplace
    • Obtain readings while the fireplace is operating.
    • Ensure that the flue is drafting.
    • Inspect the chimney to ensure it is unobstructed.
• Improper conditions must be addressed:
  • Barbecuing indoors
  • Gasoline or diesel engine running in a garage or adjacent to a window/door
• If CO readings indicate CO present:
  • Ask about possible sources of CO.
  • Notify the gas company if readings are above 10 ppm in residential structures, and above 35 ppm in commercial or industrial structures.
• Document all readings taken and the location in the structure and include this information in all applicable reports.

Carbon Monoxide Information

• CO is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.
• It is a byproduct of combustion or fuel-burning.
• CO can cause symptoms that mimic the flu, unconsciousness, and even death.
• Many appliances around the home can produce CO.
• Since the source may be transient in nature, the source may not always be detectable.

Executive Summary

• Fire Department personnel must assess the presence of CO, provide emergency medical care and evacuate the structure
• CO monitors should be functional and suitable for multi-gas measurement
• If occupants display symptoms of CO poisoning, a medic unit must be called
• Areas near suspected CO sources (furnaces, appliances) must be checked for CO levels
• Homeowners should check their CO detectors as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
• CO is odorless, colorless and tasteless, posing a serious health risk

Purpose

• To standardize the use of CO monitoring equipment within the Fire Department

Scope

• Applies to all members who may utilize CO monitoring equipment

Procedures and Responsibilities

• The Fire Department is responsible for determining the presence of CO and ensuring emergency medical care
• Instrument Preparation:
  • Verify the CO monitor is operational
  • Select an appropriate multi-gas instrument (minimum: O2, CO)
  • Conduct self-testing in fresh air to ensure proper functioning
• Outside Air Sampling:
  • Sample outside air away from the structure and vehicles
  • Record the reading as a background reading
• Initial Occupant Contact:
  • Evacuate all occupants immediately
  • Call for a medic unit if occupants exhibit symptoms of CO poisoning (headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation)
• Triage patients as necessary
• Oxygen (O2) Testing:
  • Check O2 content within the structure
  • Utilize SCBA if O2 content is below 19.5%
• Checking Suspected Sources:
  • Gas-fired Appliances:
    • Inspect all furnaces, boilers, space heaters for flue connection
    • Obtain readings near the furnace and flue, both while the furnace is fired and when the blower is operating
    • Ensure the flue is unobstructed and the flue cap is in place
  • Gas Water Heater
    • Inspect for flue connection
    • Take readings near the flue while the water heater is fired
    • Run hot water to fire the water heater
  • Gas Clothes Dryer
    • Inspect for flue connection
    • Obtain readings near the flue while the dryer is in operation
  • Fireplace:
    • Take a reading in front of the hearth
    • Ensure the flue is drafting
    • Shut off gas for gas-log fireplaces
    • Inspect the chimney to ensure it is unobstructed
  • Improper Combustion:
    • Do not barbecue indoors, or on a porch with a nearby window/door
    • Avoid operating gasoline/diesel engines within a garage or near a window/door
• CO Readings:
  • If readings indicate CO present, inquire about sources (smoking, auto exhaust)
  • Notify the gas company for readings exceeding 10 ppm in homes and 35 ppm in commercial/industrial buildings
  • Document all readings and their location in the structure

CO Detectors in Residence

• Advise occupants to check their CO detectors as per the manufacturer's recommendations
• Fire Department personnel should not disconnect or deactivate any home-owned CO detectors

CO Information

• Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is deadly
• It is a byproduct of combustion and can cause flu-like systems that can lead to unconsciousness and death
• Appliances can produce CO when malfunctioning or operating under unusual conditions
• The source of CO may be transient and not always detectable

Carbon Monoxide Levels Graphic

• A chart displays carbon monoxide levels and their associated health effects

References and Related Policies

• Relevant policies, regulations, and standards including: NFPA, OSHA, Spring FD, TCFP, Kidde CO Levels, ISO, TFCA

Contact Office

• Chain of command to contact for questions regarding this policy:
  • Company Officer
  • District Chief
  • Deputy Chief of Operations
  • Assistant Chief
  • Fire Chief

List of Changes

• Revision number, description of changes, approved by, effective date

Errors

• Submit errors or inconsistencies using provided QR code

Disclaimer

• This policy is for internal use only
• It does not expand member’s legal duties or civil liability
• This policy should not be interpreted as creating any duty of care to third-party civil claims
• Violation of this policy can only result in a complaint by the department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline