Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the techni-
cian and consult the manufacturer’s instructions, or contact
the manufacturer directly, for more information about CO
safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are
not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or
adjacent to the residence.
Treatment for CO Poisoning
Any person who is suspected to have CO poisoning should
leave the potentially dangerous environment, get fresh air
immediately and seek care from a physician. CO poisoning
can be determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxy-
haemoglobin” test. This test measures the amount of CO in
the bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done
immediately after CO exposure. Acute CO poisoning is usu-
ally treated by breathing in oxygen. When CO poisoning is
severe, (for example, when there is an altered state of con-
sciousness), high-pressure oxygen therapy in a special
“hyperbaric chamber” may be used. A physician will make
this determination and administer treatment if necessary.
Call a Qualified Technician to Find and Repair the
Problem
Call a qualified service technician (such as a licensed heat-
ing contractor, utility service technician or fuel provider) to
inspect your home for possible sources of CO. Do not restart
these appliances until the problem is corrected. Request the
inspection and service for as soon as possible if not immedi-
ately.
Please be aware that some service technicians may charge
a fee to inspect your home, even if the source of CO is not
found. You may wish to find out if you will be charged for the
service and the amount of the fee before you request serv-
ice. Some public utilities do not charge for inspection. Some
service technicians do not charge if you purchased your
appliance from them. To know for sure, you need to ask
before the technician comes to your home. Repair work or
replacement of appliances may be necessary to fix the prob-
lem that is creating the CO in your home. Remember, a CO
alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO, it does not
prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO
problem.
What To Do When The Alarm Sounds
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