|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
#2485 - 04/05/06 11:39 AM
CO alarm proposal
|
Secretary
Registered: 10/05/04
Posts: 1622
Loc: City of North Port
|
I wasn't getting any comments from the FBC forum so I thought I should post it here for any opinions or comments. What do you guys think? Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code
Modification #: Section 553.73, Fla Stat
Name: BRYAN P HOLLAND
Address: 4970 City Hall Blvd. North Port, Florida 34286
E-mail: bholland@cityofnorthport.com
Phone: (941) 429-7053
Fax: (941) 429-7032
Code: FBC – R
Section #: R313 Smoke Alarms
Text of Modification [additions underlined; deletions stricken]:
Revise Section Title: Section R313 Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
New Sections and Text: R313.3 Carbon Monoxide Alarms. At least one carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) on the lowest floor level of the dwelling unit containing bedroom(s).
All carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the provisions of NFPA 720.
R313.4 Power Source. Carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be permanently connected to the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source or shall receive power from one or more batteries.
Where a battery is employed as a main supply, its depletion below the level at which an alarm signal would be obtained shall be indicated by a distinctive audible trouble signal that persists for at least seven days.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not to be used as a substitute or in lieu of the smoke alarms required in this section.
Fiscal Impact Statement [Provide documentation of the costs and benefits of the proposed modifications to the code for each of the following entities. Cost data should be accompanied by a list of assumptions and supporting documentation. Explain expected benefits.]:
A. Impact to local entity relative to enforcement of code: Minimal. The code already requires the installation of similar devices such as smoke alarms. No additional training would be required or time allotted for inspections of CO devices. The NFPA 720 and UL 2034 provides the installation requirements and listing information.
B. Impact to building and property owners relative to cost of compliance with code: CO alarms cost in a range of $25 for the most basic units to as high as $55 for combination type and digital devices.
C. Impact to industry relative to cost of compliance with code: The state of Florida construction industry currently builds an average of 165,000 homes per year. At an average cost of $40 dollars per home for CO alarms, the fiscal impact could be as high as 6.5 million dollars per year.
Rationale [Provide an explanation of why you would like this Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code.]:
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas that can cause ill-effects at concentrations of only 50 ppm. The Journal of American Medical Association estimates approximately 1,600 deaths each year to CO poisoning in the US. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 200-300 persons die each year to equipment/ventilation malfunction of fuel burning household appliances. Over 10,000 are diagnosed each year with CO-related injuries. Based on this information, it appears many more people die each year from CO poisoning than those that do from electrocution.
In Florida alone, the use of portable generators resulted in the death of 18 persons in 2001, 40 in 2002, and 36 in 2003. 6 persons died in the state of Florida following the 2004 hurricane season from CO poisoning, 4 following the 2005 hurricane season. 167 persons were hospitalized in Florida following the 2004 hurricane season
More than 50% of CO deaths are persons of 65 and older. The major symptoms of CO poisoning are commonly misdiagnosed in the elderly. Florida has the largest number of 65 and older persons in the US.
Since the year 2000, sales of portable generators have been increasing. In 2004 alone, 380,000 units were sold in the US to households. The cost of portable generators has been steadily decreasing over this same period.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the exhaust produced by the typical 5.5 kW generator contains as much CO as six idling automobiles.
96% (160) of all non-fatal and 5 of the fatal incidents of CO poisoning following the 2004 hurricane season were directly related to exposure to carbon monoxide exhaust from gasoline-powered generators. In more than 50% of the cases, more than one person was hospitalized or killed per exposure incident. The CDC reports that 17.5% of Florida households used a portable generator after at least one of the 2004 hurricanes. Medical records from patients indicated that generators were installed in garages, in porches, and within the home to protect the units from weather or from being stolen. Other locations included near open windows and near room air conditioners (window-mounted units).
Hurricanes seasons since 2000 are lasting longer and producing more intense and more land falling storms. In 2002 there were 14 named storms and 4 hurricanes, in 2003 there were 21 named storms and 7 hurricanes, in 2004 there were 16 named storms and 9 hurricanes – 6 storms directly effecting Florida, in 2005 there were 27 named storms, 15 hurricanes, seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher with 6 having a US landfall. (per the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration)
During the 2004 hurricane season, 3.6 million customers lost power over a 25 day period. This included 847,000 from August 13 through August 29 following Hurricane Charley, 2.8 million from September 1 through September 16 following Hurricane Frances, and 1.7 million from September 26 through October 4 following Hurricane Jeanne. (Per Florida Power and Light Corporation)
There are at least 10 states in the US that have enacted state wide carbon monoxide laws including Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Texas.
There are at least 35 municipalities in the US that have enacted carbon monoxide detection and alarm requirements.
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the following requirements:
1. Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and welfare of the general public: Yes, see the above substantiation.
2. Strengthens or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better products, methods, or systems of construction: Yes, adds a needed safeguard for public safety.
3. Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of construction of demonstrated capabilities: Yes
4. Does not degrade the effectiveness of the code: Yes, meets the purpose of the code as stated in Section R101.3 of the Florida Residential Code.
_________________________
Bryan P. Holland, MCP
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
#2488 - 05/03/06 06:49 PM
Re: CO alarm proposal
|
Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
|
I like it.
I would expound further on the point made about increased generator usage for this hurricane prone state, and also submit ALL newspaper articles on generator DEATHS as a result of the carbon monoxide poisoning. As it may never be possible to educate the entire Florida population on proper generator usage, the detector will provide a minimal level of safety to someone who is not privy to the information.
Anyone can run out in panic just prior to a hurricane and buy a generator. With so much on one's mind, it would only make sense to require the detector.
In addition I would mention something about residential construction where the lower level is used for parking, and tie that in as additional substantiation for the change.
Nice job, overall. I'm not saying to change anything but here are some quick edits (you asked for comments):
A. Impact to local entity relative to enforcement of code: MINIMAL.
B. Impact to building and property owners relative to cost of compliance with code: CO alarms cost approximately $25-30 for the most basic units.
C. Impact to industry relative to cost of compliance with code: The state of Florida construction industry currently builds an average of 165,000 homes per year. At an average cost of $30 dollars per home, the total fiscal impact would be approximately 5 million dollars per year.
Rationale [Provide an explanation of why you would like this Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code.]:
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas that can cause ill-effects and ultimately, DEATH. The Journal of American Medical Association attributes approximately 1,600 deaths each year to CO poisoning in the US. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 200-300 persons die each year to equipment/ventilation malfunction of fuel burning household appliances. Over 10,000 are diagnosed each year with CO-related injuries. Based on this information, many more people die each year from CO poisoning than those that do from electrocution.
In hurricane prone Florida alone, the continually increased use of portable generators cries out for a Code change of this nature. Generator usage resulted in the death of 18 persons in 2001, 40 in 2002, and 36 in 2003. 6 persons died in the state of Florida following the 2004 hurricane season from CO poisoning, and another 4 following the 2005 hurricane season with 167 persons hospitalized in Florida following the 2004 hurricane season alone.
Since the year 2000, sales of portable generators in Florida have skyrocketed. In 2004, 380,000 units were sold in the US to households.
96% (160) of all non-fatal and 5 of the fatal incidents of CO poisoning following the 2004 hurricane season were directly related to exposure to carbon monoxide exhaust from gasoline-powered generators. In more than 50% of the cases, more than one person was either hospitalized or KILLED. The CDC reports that 17.5% of Florida households now use portable generators since the 2004 hurricanes.
At least 10 states presently have statewide carbon monoxide laws, including Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Texas.
There are at least 35 municipalities in the US that have enacted carbon monoxide detection and alarm requirements.
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the following requirements:
1. Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and welfare of the general public: Yes, see the above substantiation.
2. Strengthens or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better products, methods, or systems of construction: Yes, adds a needed safeguard for preservation of life and public safety.
3. Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of construction of demonstrated capabilities: Does NOT discriminate.
4. Does not degrade the effectiveness of the code: Does NOT denegrade the effectiveness of the code, in fact this change drastically improves it.
:p
_________________________
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered: 02/02/07
Posts: 0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index
