|
Recently, the Illinois General
Assembly passed and the Governor has signed into law Public Act 094-0741 –
The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act. This Act, effective Monday,
January 1, 2007, requires the owner to install and maintain in working
order carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings that contain sleeping
facilities. This includes single family dwellings. One exception in the
act is that carbon monoxide detectors are NOT required in a building that
does not rely on combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation or hot
water and is not connected to an enclosed garage and is not sufficiently
close to any ventilated source of carbon monoxide as to be at risk from
those gases. The determination of risk is left to the local building
commissioner.
Building owners are required to
install carbon monoxide detectors in all dwelling units within 15 feet of
every room used for sleeping purposes. Building owners are required to
provide and install the detectors and make sure that they are operational
at the beginning of initial lease. Occupants are responsible for
maintaining and testing these devices during the lease period. Any
problems with the detectors are to be brought to the attention of the
building owner.
The Lake Zurich Fire Rescue
Department has historically supported the installation and maintenance of
working carbon monoxide detectors in all residences. On numerous
occasions, firefighters have responded to alarm activations that have
alerted us to elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Because these devices
were in place and operating properly, tragedy was averted.
Willful failure by the building
owner to install or failure of the occupant to maintain the detector(s) in
operating condition is a Class B criminal misdemeanor. A second offense of
failure to maintain by the occupant can result in prosecution for a Class
4 Felony. The procedure to enforce this law beginning January 1, 2007,
will be determined by the local officials.
Carbon monoxide detectors, like
smoke detectors, are truly life safety devices that no one should be
without. If you have not already installed one in your home, please do so
as soon as possible as there is a very good possibility these units will
be in large demand after January 1, 2007. While you are at it, also check
and/or change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Lake Zurich Fire
Rescue Department at (847) 540-5073.
|
