527 CMR 31.00: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Section

31.01: Purpose and Scope

31.02: Definitions

31.03: General Installation Provisions

31.04: Specific Installation Requirements

31.05 Carbon Monoxide Protection: Technical Options

31.06 Inspection and Maintenance Requirements

31.07 Landlord Installation, Inspection and Maintenance Duties

31.08 Carbon Monoxide Alarms Installed in Dwelling Units Inhabited by Persons

Who Are Hearing Impaired

31.09 Emergency Planning

31.01: Purpose and Scope

The purpose of 527 CMR 31 is to provide minimum requirements for the

type, installation, location, maintenance, and inspection of carbon monoxide

alarms in every dwelling, building or structure in accordance with the

provisions of MGL 148 Section 26F1/2. These regulations shall apply to

every dwelling, building or structure including those owned and operated by

the Commonwealth, occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes,

that:

(a) contains fossil-fuel burning equipment or

(b) incorporates enclosed parking within its structure.

31.02: Definitions

As used in 527 CMR 31.00, the following definitions shall have the

meanings respectively assigned to them:

Adjacent Spaces: shall mean any area, space, room or dwelling unit located

directly next to, below or above any area space, room or dwelling unit that

contains fossil fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking. It shall not

include closets, bathrooms, cabinets or similar areas used for storage or

utility purposes and temporarily occupied for activities relating to such

storage or utility use.

Centralized Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment: shall mean a central heating

plant, hot water heater, a combustion driven generator or fire pump, central

laundry equipment, or similar equipment that emits carbon monoxide as a

by-product of combustion and does not allow for air exchange between

Centralized Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment and Dwelling Units or common

areas.

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Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection: shall mean carbon monoxide alarm

protection that may consist of either:

(a) battery powered in compliance with NFPA 720, 5.2.3 and wireless

appliances, or

(b) ac (alternating current) plug-in with battery back up in accordance with

NFPA 720, 5.2.2.6, or

(c) ac primary power source with battery back up in compliance with NFPA

720, 5.2.2, or

(d) low voltage or wireless systems with secondary power in compliance

with NFPA 720, 5.2.4 , or

(e) Combination Appliance.

At a minimum, all such Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection equipment shall

operate as a Single Station Alarm Device or Single Station Carbon

Monoxide Alarm.

Combination Appliance: shall mean a combination photoelectric smoke

detector and carbon monoxide alarm which may be battery or ac (alternating

current) powered with battery back up. A combination ionization detector

and carbon monoxide alarm which may be battery or ac (alternating current)

powered, with battery back up, may be utilized if it is installed not less than

20 ft. from any bathroom or kitchen entryway. Such Combination

Appliances shall employ both simulated voice and tone alarm features which

clearly distinguishes between carbon monoxide and smoke notification, in

accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.4.

Daycare Facility: A facility licensed by the Commonwealth under MGL 28A

or its successor statues or regulations by the Department of Early Education

and Care as a Child Care Center, School Aged Child Care Program, or

Family Child Care Home, including Large Family Child Care and Family

Child Care Plus.

Dwelling Unit: A single unit providing facilities for living and sleeping.

Enclosed Parking: A structure or an area or room, or floor or level thereof,

enclosed within an overall structure or attached thereto that is designed or

used for the parking of vehicles and does not comply with the minimum

exterior wall opening requirements of an “Open Parking Structure” as stated

in 780 CMR 406.1.1, State Building Code.

Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment: Any device, apparatus or appliance which

is designed or used to consume fuel of any kind which emits carbon

monoxide as a by-product of combustion.

Habitable: shall mean that portion of a cellar, basement or attic that is

designed, used or furnished for living purposes.

Head of the Fire Department: Shall mean the head of the Fire Department as

defined in M.G.L. c. 148, s. 1, or a designee of the head of the Fire

Department.

Intermittent Ignition Device: A device which ignites an automatic gas

appliance to begin normal operation thereof, and which is activated only at

the time such automatic gas appliance is to be so ignited.

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Institutional Structures: shall include any dwelling, building or structure

classified as use group I-1 through I-3, as defined in 780 CMR and those

unclassified occupancies that have the same characteristics as I-1 through I-

3. Where there is a dispute regarding Use Group classification of a structure,

a determination shall be made by the municipal or state building inspector

having jurisdiction.

Listed: A device listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory

meeting the requirements of 527 CMR 49.03 Appendix C and the standards

in either IAS/CSA 6.19 or UL 2034 –Single and Multiple Station Carbon

Monoxide Alarms, June 2002 Edition or UL 2075 –Gas and Vapor Detector

Sensor, November 2004 Edition, as applicable for the installation.

Marshal: shall mean the State Fire Marshal or a designee of the State Fire

Marshal.

NFPA 720: shall mean National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 720

entitled “Standard for the Installation of Carbon (CO) warning Equipment

in Dwelling Units”, 2005 Edition.

Residential Structures: shall include any dwelling, building or structure

classified as use group R-1 with less than six dwelling units or R-2 through

R-5, as defined in 780 CMR and those unclassified occupancies that have the

same characteristics as a R-1 with less than six dwelling units or R-2 through

R-5. Where there is a dispute regarding Use Group classification of a

structure, a determination shall be made by the municipal or state building

inspector having jurisdiction.

Roof Mounted Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment :Any Fossil Fuel Burning

Equipment mounted on top of a structure that is used to condition any

medium through heating or cooling.

Single Station Alarm Device: An assembly that incorporates the detector,

the control equipment, and the alarm-sounding device in one unit operated

from a power source either located in the unit or obtained at the point of

installation.

Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm: A detector comprising an assembly

that incorporates a sensor, control components, and an alarm notification

appliance in one unit operated from a power source either located in the unit

or obtained at the point of installation.

State Building Code: 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, (6th

Edition).

Transient Residential Structures: shall include any dwelling, building or

structure classified as use group R-1 with six or more dwelling units, as

defined in 780 CMR and those unclassified occupancies that have the same

characteristics as R-1 with six or more dwelling units. Where there is a

dispute regarding Use Group classification of a structure, a determination

shall be made by the municipal or state building inspector having

jurisdiction.

U.L. 2075: shall mean Underwriters Laboratory standard 2075 entitled

"Standard for Gas and Vapor Detector Sensors", November, 2004 Edition.

31.03: General Installation Provisions

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1. Any carbon monoxide alarm using an ac (alternating current) primary

power source and any other wired carbon monoxide alarm protection

equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the

Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12 and in accordance with

M.G.L. c. 143, s.3L and MGL 141, s. 1A, if applicable.

2. Buildings or structures owned or operated by the Commonwealth or any

local housing authority are exempt from the requirements of 527 CMR

31.04 until January 1, 2008.

3. Buildings or structures constructed, renovated or subject to a change in

use for which building permits have been issued on or after March 31,

2006, shall comply with any stricter carbon monoxide alarm

requirements of The State Building Code, if applicable.

4. The installation of carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with 527

CMR 30, relating to certain Unvented Propane or Natural Gas-Fired

Space Heaters, if applicable, shall satisfy the requirements of 527 CMR

31.00 for that level on which such heater is located, provided the

installation complies with 527 CMR 31.04(1) (a)and (b).

5. The installation of carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with 248

CMR, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fuel Gas and Plumbing

Code, if applicable, shall satisfy the requirements of 527 CMR 31.00 for

that level on which the direct vented gas appliance is located, provided

the installation complies with 527 CMR 31.04(1) (a)and(b).

6. Effective December 1, 2006 a permit shall be obtained from the Head of

the Fire Department for all installations which employ one or more of the

Carbon Monoxide Alarm protection options listed in 527 CMR 31.05.

The Marshal shall prescribe a uniform application form for such permit.

31.04 Specific Installation Provisions

1. Residential Structures: Effective March 31, 2006 every Residential

Structure that presently or in the future contains Fossil Fuel Burning

Equipment or has enclosed parking shall be equipped, by the owner, landlord

or superintendent, with working and Listed Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Protection.

(a) Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection shall be located in

each level of each Dwelling Unit including Habitable

portions of basements, cellars and attics, but not including

crawl spaces. The installation of said unit shall be located

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

(b) When mounting Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection on a

level of a Dwelling Unit with a sleeping area, the alarm

shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping

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area. At a minimum, the alarm shall be located outside of

any bedroom, but shall not exceed 10 ft. as measured in any

direction from any bedroom door.

(c) Alternative Compliance Options: Such Residential

Structures, as an alternative to providing Carbon Monoxide

Alarm Protection within each level of each Dwelling Unit,

may be protected by using one or more of the Carbon

Monoxide Protection Technical Options stated in 527 CMR

31.05 1. (a) through (g) if applicable. However,

notwithstanding the use of any Alternative Compliance

Option, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection shall also be

installed in any Dwelling Unit that contains Fossil Fuel

Burning Equipment in accordance with 527 CMR

31.04(1)(a) and (b).

(d) Alternative compliance deadline for certain installations

Any owner who intends to meet the requirements of 527 CMR

31.04 by installing either: (1) ac (alternating current) primary

power source with battery back up or wired, low voltage,

carbon monoxide alarm protection or (2) an Alternative

Compliance Option of 527 CMR 31.04 (1)(c), shall not be

required to complete such installation until 1-1-07 if said

owner provides written notification of such intent to the head

of the fire department by 5-15-06. The submission of such

notification shall be deemed to be the consent by the owner to

the future inspection of the subject building by the head of the

fire department to determine compliance. Installation of

carbon monoxide alarm protection pursuant to 527 CMR

31.04(1)(d) may be allowed notwithstanding the late filing of

the written notification, only upon the approval of the head of

the fire department who may require temporary carbon

monoxide alarm protection pending the completion of

installation.

2. Other Transient Residential and Institutional Structures Required to have

Hard-Wired Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection by January 1, 2008.

(a) Effective January 1, 2008 every Transient Residential and

Institutional Structure that presently or in the future contains

Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment or has enclosed parking shall

be equipped, by the owner, landlord or superintendent, with

working and Listed Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection as

defined in 527 CMR 31.02 with the exception of option (a),

(b) and (e) if battery powered, in each level of each dwelling

unit.

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(b) Alternative Compliance Option: Such Transient

Residential and Institutional Structures, as an alternative to

providing Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection within each

level of each Dwelling Unit, may be protected by using one or

more of the Carbon Monoxide Protection Technical Options

stated in 527 CMR 31.05 1. (a) through (h) However,

notwithstanding the use of any Alternative Compliance Option

allowed under 527 CMR 31.04 2. (b), Carbon Monoxide

Alarm Protection shall also be installed in any Dwelling Unit

that contains Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment in accordance

with 527 CMR 31.04(2)(a).

3. Day Care Facilities:

A Day Care Facility classified as either a Child Care Center, School Aged

Child Care Program, Family Child Care Home, including Large Family

Child Care and Family Child Care Plus by the Department of Early

Education and Care shall comply with the following, as applicable:

(a) Family Child Care Home, including Large Family Child Care

and Family Child Care Plus facilities shall comply with 527

CMR 31.04 (1) (a) and (b).

(b) Group Child Care and School Aged Child Care Program

facilities shall install Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection with

Listed Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection, as defined in 527

CMR 31.02, with the exception of option (a) and (e) if battery

Powered, in each room used by children for sleeping, learning,

or participating in other early education and care activities.

4. Roof Mounted Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment:

(a) All Residential Structures, Transient Residential Structures or

Institutional Structures that presently or in the future employ Roof

Mounted Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment that directly supplies air to

dwelling units shall be equipped with Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection

as provided in 527 CMR 31.04 1. (a) and (b) or 527 CMR 31.04 2. (a), as

applicable.

(b)All Residential Structures, Transient Residential Structures or

Institutional Structures that presently or in the future employ Roof

Mounted Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment that directly supplies air to

common areas and not to dwelling units shall be equipped with Carbon

Monoxide Alarm Protection as provided in 527 CMR 31.04 1. (a) and (b)

or 527 CMR 31.04 2. (a), as applicable or employ Type F Carbon

monoxide protection as provided in 527 CMR 31.05 1. (f).

(c)All Residential Structures, Transient Residential Structures or

Institutional Structures that presently or in the future employ Roof

Mounted Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment that does not

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directly supply air to dwelling units or common areas: Reserved

31.05 Carbon Monoxide Protection: Technical Options

1. Certain Residential Structures, Transient Residential Structures or

Institutional Structures may present Carbon Monoxide risks in a limited

or minimum portion of the structure rather than in each Dwelling Unit.

The following technical options employ methods which may make it

unnecessary to install Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection in each level

of each dwelling unit in accordance with 527 CMR 31.04 1. (a) and (b)

or 527 CMR 31.04 2. (a), as applicable. Not withstanding the utilization

of any technical option, or combination thereof, Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Protection shall also be installed in any Dwelling Unit that contains

Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment in accordance with 527 CMR 31.04(1)(a)

and (b) or 527 CMR 31.04 (2) (a).

(a) Type A Carbon Monoxide protection for areas or rooms

containing Centralized Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment, shall

employ Listed Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection meeting UL

2075, or a low voltage or wireless system. Such installation shall

provide a visual or audible alarm in the rooms or areas containing

the Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment. Such installation shall be in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Such protection

shall be monitored in accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9. Such

method of monitoring is to be determined at the discretion of the

building owner. In accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9.3 (1) the

retransmission of the signal shall be at the discretion of the head

of the fire department.

(b) Type B Carbon Monoxide protection for areas or rooms

of Centralized Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment consisting

of kitchen appliances equipped with an Intermittent

Ignition Device, shall comply with 248 CMR Fuel/Gas

Plumbing Code and the 2002 Edition of NFPA 54 sections

10.3.4.5 or 10.3.5.2. A written certification shall be submitted

to the Head of the Fire Department from a Registered

Professional Engineer licensed by the Commonwealth

certifying that the kitchen appliances meet 248 CMR and said

NFPA 54.

(c) Type C Carbon Monoxide protection for areas or rooms

with Centralized Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment which employ

an automatic integrated shutdown device which shall be directly

connected to the fossil fuel burning equipment and an ac primary

power source with battery back up in compliance with NFPA 720,

5.2.2 or low voltage or wireless systems in compliance with NFPA

720, 5.2.4 that will cause a shut down to the fossil fuel burning

equipment upon activation of a carbon monoxide detector. The

device must also provide an audible or visual alarm in the

immediate area of the device and fossil fuel burning equipment.

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The fossil fuel burning equipment must be manually restarted after

activation. A sign shall be mounted in the vicinity of the device

with a minimum of 1 inch high letters in contrasting color with the

following statement: “If the carbon monoxide detector has

activated, do not restart the equipment until serviced by a qualified

technician”.

Exception: Such shut down requirement shall not be applicable to

systems that are part of an emergency or standby system required

by any municipal, state or federal law or regulation provided the

(d) Type D Carbon Monoxide protection for adjacent spaces

of structures, areas or rooms considered Enclosed Parking,

shall employ Listed Carbon Monoxide Alarm Protection meeting

UL 2075 or a low voltage or wireless system. Such installation

shall provide a visual or audible alarm in the rooms or areas

containing the Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment. Such protection

shall be monitored in accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9. Such

method of monitoring is to be determined at the discretion of the

building owner. In accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9.3 (1) the

retransmission of the signal shall be at the discretion of the head

of the fire department.

(e) Type E Carbon Monoxide protection for Enclosed Parking,

shall employ, in the enclosed parking either: i.) an automatic

mechanical ventilation system that automatically operates upon

detection of carbon monoxide in accordance with 780 CMR

2801.2, without exception or reduction, and provides for a

supervisory alarm at 50 ppm in accordance with NFPA 720,

5.3.9. Such method of monitoring is to be determined at the

discretion of the building owner in accordance with NFPA 720,

5.3.9.3 (1), and the retransmission of the signal shall be at the

discretion of the head of the fire department; or ii.) The

enclosed parking has continuous mechanical ventilation at a

minimum rate in accordance with 780 CMR 2801.2, without

exception or reduction. Such system shall employ a sensor to

ensure the minimum airflow as designed is operating through

the system. The sensor shall monitor direct airflow and shall

be connected to the fire alarm panel as a supervisory alarm in

accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9. A registered Professional

Engineer licensed by the Commonwealth shall provide written

certification to the head of the fire department that the subject

enclosed parking meets the requirements of 527 CMR 31.05

1(e).

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(f) Type F Carbon Monoxide protection for Roof Mounted

Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment that circulate air from said

unit to common areas only, shall be equipped with the following:

i. A duct Carbon Monoxide gas detection device

shall be installed on the supply side of the Roof

Mounted Air Handling Unit or the common

areas on the floor closest to the initial supply

discharge from the Roof Mounted Air Handling

Unit. All such devices shall be installed in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Carbon Monoxide gas detection device

shall automatically alarm upon detection of

carbon monoxide at 50 parts per million (ppm)

and provide for a supervisory alarm in

accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9. Such method

of monitoring is to be determined at the

discretion of the building owner in accordance

with NFPA 720, 5.3.9.3 (1), and the

retransmission of the signal shall be at the

discretion of the head of the fire department.

Upon activation of the Carbon Monoxide

detection device and supervisory alarm, the roof

mounted fossil fuel burning equipment shall

shutdown until manually reset.

Exception: Such shut down requirement shall not

be applicable to systems that are part of an

emergency or standby system required by any

municipal, state or federal law or regulation.

(g) Type G Carbon Monoxide protection for Roof Mounted Fossil Fuel

Burning Equipment that do not circulate air to any common area or

dwelling unit, shall be equipped with the following: Reserved

(h) Type H. Carbon Monoxide protection for certain Institutional

to patient rooms, inmate rooms or common areas. Carbon Monoxide

a. Such structure contains dwelling units occupied by a person or persons

who are not capable of self preservation due to age, mental disability,

medical condition, incarceration, restraint or security, and

b. the occupants are under constant supervision on a 24 hour basis.

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Type H protection shall include a duct Carbon Monoxide gas detection

device which shall be installed downstream of air filters, ahead of any branch

connections in air supply systems of the fossil fuel Air Handling Unit. All

such devices shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions. The Carbon Monoxide gas detection device shall automatically

alarm upon detection of carbon monoxide at 50 parts per million (ppm) and

provide for a supervisory alarm in accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9. Such

method of monitoring is to be determined at the discretion of the building

owner in accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.9.3 (1), and the retransmission of

the signal shall be at the discretion of the head of the fire department. Upon

activation of the Carbon Monoxide detection device and supervisory alarm,

the fossil fuel burning equipment shall shutdown until manually reset.

Exception: Such shut down requirement shall not be applicable to systems

that are part of an emergency or standby system required by any municipal,

state or federal law or regulation.

31.06: Inspection and Maintenance Requirements

1. The head of the fire department or designee shall enforce the provisions

of 527 CMR 31.00, including the inspection for conformance with the

carbon monoxide alarm requirements, upon sale or transfer of such

dwelling, building or structure used in whole or in part for residential

purposes.

31.07 Landlord Installation, Inspection and Maintenance Duties

1. Every owner, superintendent, or landlord shall, at a minimum, maintain, test,

repair, or replace, if necessary, every carbon monoxide alarm upon renewal of

any lease term for any dwelling unit or on an annual basis, whichever is more

frequent. All common areas shall be inspected annually. All carbon monoxide

alarm batteries shall be replaced, on an annual basis by the owner, landlord or

superintendent.

Exception: Low voltage system batteries shall be maintained in accordance

with applicable sections of NFPA 720.

2. The owner, superintendent, or landlord of every structure that employs one or more of

the Carbon Monoxide Protection Technical Options listed in 527 CMR 31.05 shall be

responsible for the care and maintenance of such equipment and devices. Annually, the

owner, superintendent or landlord of every structure shall submit to the head of the fire

department a record of inspection, maintenance and testing on a form prescribed by the

Marshal. Carbon monoxide systems shall not be disconnected or otherwise rendered

unserviceable without first notifying the fire department in accordance with MGL 148 s.

27A.

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31.08 Carbon Monoxide Alarms Installed in Dwelling Units Inhabited by Persons Who

are Hearing Impaired

Every owner, superintendent, or landlord having control of any dwelling unit

inhabited by a person who is hearing impaired, shall comply with any carbon

monoxide provisions, if applicable, established by the Architectural Access Board

pursuant to 521 CMR.

31.09 Emergency Planning

The owner, superintendent or landlord of every structure that employs carbon

monoxide alarm protection by utilizing one or more of the Carbon Monoxide

Protection Technical Options listed in 527 CMR 31.05 shall prepare a written

emergency plan that is in effect and available to all personnel. The plan shall be

presented to and approved by the head of the fire department. The plan shall

include at a minimum:

1. An annual review by the owner, superintendent or landlord of the

plan with all employees who shall be kept informed in respect to

their duties and responsibilities under the plan;

2. The development of a policy and procedure to communicate the

immediate situation to the local fire department ;

3. An evacuation plan; and

4. A list of emergency contact phone numbers of responsible parties.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

MGL c. 148, §§ 26F1/2, 28