Why Carbon Monoxide Detection Is Critical for Businesses and Public Facilities
A recent incident at a local school resulted in multiple students being transported to the hospital after a carbon monoxide (CO) detector alerted authorities to a dangerous condition. The detector worked exactly as it should — identifying a threat that could not be seen or smelled.
For businesses and public facilities, carbon monoxide detection is not just a safety upgrade — it is a life-safety requirement.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel-burning equipment does not operate correctly. Without proper detection, dangerous levels can accumulate quickly, especially in large or enclosed commercial spaces.
Facilities at Risk for Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Any building with fuel-burning equipment or vehicle activity is at risk, including:
Schools and educational facilities
Manufacturing and industrial buildings
Churches and places of worship
Office buildings
Hotels and hospitality facilities
Warehouses and distribution centers
Common sources of carbon monoxide in commercial environments include:
Gas-fired boilers and furnaces
Gas water heaters
Commercial kitchens
Loading docks and maintenance bays
Forklifts or vehicles operating indoors or near entrances
Where Carbon Monoxide Detectors Should Be Installed
Proper placement is essential for effective detection.
Recommended locations include:
Mechanical and boiler rooms
Rooms with gas-powered equipment
Commercial kitchens
Near loading docks or attached garages
Hallways outside occupied areas
On every level of the building
Sleeping areas in hotels, dormitories, or long-term care facilities
Proper Mounting Height for Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide mixes evenly with air, so placement height is flexible when done correctly.
Best practices include:
Installing detectors at breathing height (approximately 5 feet from the floor), or
Installing according to the manufacturer’s specifications
Avoid installing detectors:
Directly next to fuel-burning equipment
Near HVAC vents, windows, or exterior doors
In areas with excessive moisture
The Importance of Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detection
An audible alarm is critical — but monitored carbon monoxide detection provides an added layer of protection.
Monitored systems can:
Alert a central monitoring station immediately
Initiate emergency response even if the building is unoccupied
Reduce response time in schools, churches, and businesses
Help protect occupants who may not recognize CO exposure symptoms
For facilities with high occupancy or vulnerable populations, monitored detection can be the difference between early intervention and serious harm.
A Simple System That Protects Lives and Operations
Carbon monoxide detectors are a proven, cost-effective way to protect occupants, staff, and visitors — but only when properly installed, maintained, and monitored.
For businesses and public facilities with fuel-burning equipment, carbon monoxide detection is a critical part of a comprehensive life-safety strategy.
If you are unsure whether your facility is adequately protected, a professional assessment can help ensure compliance, proper placement, and reliable operation.