CPSCs Role
Consumer Project Safety Commission (CPSC)
CPSC worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop a safety standard for CO detectors (UL 2034).
Public Awareness
CPSC embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign in 1993 to reach consumers and educate them about CO through the media. Activities included a message from President Clinton declaring the last week of September "CO Safety Awareness Week." CPSC also developed stories for television, radio, and newspapers, as well as brochures and posters for consumers.
CPSC is proposing that the national model building code organizations include a provision for the installation of state of the art CO detectors in all new residential construction. The proposal calls for installation in sleeping areas, but outside individual bedrooms.
Under CPSC's proposal, battery-operated units would be allowed only in existing homes, not new construction. Even homes with no permanently-installed fuel-burning appliances would have to install them because CO deaths have been associated with the use of:
CPSC staff is working with state and local code jurisdictions to incorporate CO detector requirements into state and local legislation. They are also working with the National Fire Protection Association to develop a national installation standard.
CPSC worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop a safety standard for CO detectors (UL 2034).
Public Awareness
CPSC embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign in 1993 to reach consumers and educate them about CO through the media. Activities included a message from President Clinton declaring the last week of September "CO Safety Awareness Week." CPSC also developed stories for television, radio, and newspapers, as well as brochures and posters for consumers.
CPSC is proposing that the national model building code organizations include a provision for the installation of state of the art CO detectors in all new residential construction. The proposal calls for installation in sleeping areas, but outside individual bedrooms.
Under CPSC's proposal, battery-operated units would be allowed only in existing homes, not new construction. Even homes with no permanently-installed fuel-burning appliances would have to install them because CO deaths have been associated with the use of:
- Auto fumes from an attached garage
- Charcoal grills wrongly used indoors
- Portable kerosene heaters
- Wood-burning stoves
CPSC staff is working with state and local code jurisdictions to incorporate CO detector requirements into state and local legislation. They are also working with the National Fire Protection Association to develop a national installation standard.