House Consumer Affairs Committee Approves Bill Requiring Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Homes, Says Farry
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would enact standards for carbon monoxide alarms in various existing buildings and properties was approved Tuesday by the House Consumer Affairs Committee, said Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), author of a similar measure in the House.
Senate Bill 920, introduced by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh/Monroe/Northampton), would require multifamily dwellings with a fossil fuel-burning heater/appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage to be equipped with an operational, centrally located and approved carbon monoxide alarm.
Currently, the Pennsylvania building code only requires newly constructed homes that have fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances and/or an attached garage to have a carbon monoxide detector.
“As a result of our sometimes harsh winters, Pennsylvania residents must continue to rely on fossil fuel burning units to heat their homes,” said Farry. “The use of these heat sources increases the chance of exposure to harmful levels of carbon monoxide gas. Pennsylvania currently leads the nation in carbon monoxide-related poisonings and deaths.”
Thirty-five states have already enacted carbon monoxide alarm requirements. However, Pennsylvania remains one of the few cold weather states that do not have a law requiring the use of carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
“Lives are being lost and people are being sickened where preventative measures exist,” said Farry. “This basic, cheap device can mean the difference between life and death.”
Senate Bill 920 now goes before the full House for consideration.
State Representative Frank Farry
142nd District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Fosnot
afosnot@pahousegop.com
717.260.6222