The State of Washington recently revised RCW 19.27.530 which requires that all single family residences, condominiums, apartments, hotels and motels have working carbon monoxide detectors installed. Single family homes that were occupied before July 26, 2009 are exempt until the home is sold, at which point the seller must install a detector. This new revision requires strict regulation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, condominiums, apartments, hotels and motels and allows for enforcement to make sure these regulations are being followed.
Carbon monoxide detectors are similar to smoke detectors in their operation. They are designed to save lives by sensing dangerous carbon monoxide levels and sounding an alarm to evacuate when these become too high and unsafe.
Under the past law, new residences must have carbon monoxide alarms installed upon completion. However, this new law applies to any home that is sold.
Why is there such a concern over carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous poisonous gas which cannot be seen or smelled. It is so dangerous it can kill a person or an animal in a very short period of time. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up to fatal levels in either enclosed areas, semi-enclosed areas or non-ventilated areas.
It naturally occurs when fuel is burned. Cars, trucks, small gasoline power equipment like trimmers, chain saws, boat engines, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges, ovens, and furnaces produce carbon monoxide. It is also produced from tobacco smoke.
If you are thinking about selling your property this spring, you need to learn your options now and be prepared to have a detector installed.
And buyers listen up! If you are purchasing a bank-owned property, the property is not exempted from this law. Make sure that the home you are purchasing comes with a carbon monoxide detector.
We are advising our clients to make sure they have their carbon monoxide detector installed by a professional. This is essential for both safety and liability reasons.
If you have any questions about this new law as it might pertain to your personal situation please feel free to give us a call. You can reach Jennifer at (509) 947-5670 or Jessica at (509) 947-2230. We would happy to discuss your options with you.
SOURCE:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=19.27.530
