Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be difficult to detect because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) places a limit of 50 parts per million (ppm) for long term exposure to carbon monoxide and a level of 100 ppm can be life threatening. Carbon monoxide is produced by internal combustion engines and is a common cause of fatal poisoning. Carbon monoxide meters are available in handheld units and may also be combined with household smoke detectors.
Instructions
1. Ensure the carbon monoxide meter has a battery with adequate current. These meters typically take a 9-volt battery. A handheld carbon monoxide meter typically has a light that comes on when the battery is low. A home unit usually emits a low, continuous beep to indicate a low battery.
2. Place the carbon monoxide meter low to the ground. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and will tend to settle in the lowest area possible. A handheld unit can be positioned manually and a home unit should be plugged into an electrical outlet that is close to the ground.
3. Detect carbon monoxide with a handheld unit. The operation of these devices typically consists of turning it on and reading the display. The carbon monoxide level should be provided in units of ppm. The background level should remain below 50 ppm although cigarette smoke can raise the level to 100 ppm temporarily.
4. Use a home unit to detect carbon monoxide. These devices emit an audible alarm based on a set of predetermined criteria. Typically, the unit will emit a sound when a sustained level of carbon monoxide is measured for a certain period of time. They are also programmed to emit a soundwhen a higher level of carbon monoxide is detected, indicating more immediate danger.
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