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New law: carbon monoxide detectors required in New York businesses
Effective June 27, 2015, all commercial buildings in New York, including restaurants, will be required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Currently, the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors is required only for one or two-family homes, condominiums and cooperatives.
A deadly carbon monoxide leak at Legal Sea Foods in Long Island last February sparked lawmakers to make a change. A restaurant manager died and 27 others were hospitalized after the gas leaked into the building.
Under the new law, every business in the state that contains any carbon monoxide source, such as carbon monoxide producing HVAC systems, a garage or storage area for motor vehicles, or appliances that emit carbon monoxide will need detectors in these areas. The detector’s primary power must come from the building’s electricity and must also have a battery backup. The detectors cannot be a combination carbon monoxide/smoke alarm. The full text of the law can be found here.
Inhaling carbon monoxide can lead to dizziness, headaches and confusion. Business owners should contact 911 immediately if they suspect a leak.
For more information and to learn how GTM helps businesses stay up to date with relevant news and advice, contact us at (518) 373-4111.
