Senate Passes Measure to Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Hospitals/Nursing Homes

The State Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in structures such as hospitals, nursing homes, apartments, houses and nurseries.

Sen. Richard Lerblance, author of Senate Bill 133, said the measure would protect Oklahomans from harmful levels of carbon monoxide omissions. From January 2006 to September 2006, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center responded to 84 instances of carbon monoxide poisoning, including two fatalities.

“High concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in a matter of minutes, and it’s important that we take steps to protect people from this hazard in indoor areas,” said Lerblance, D-Hartshorne. “Every year, thousands across the country are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in situations that could be avoided if carbon monoxide detectors were in place.”

Lerblance noted that excessive carbon monoxide emissions can come from such sources as furnaces, boilers and water heaters.

“Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives,” Lerblance said. “This bill is especially important for our hospitals, nurseries and other areas we expect to be the safest possible environments for our citizens.”

The measure would also apply to structures such as convalescent homes, auditoriums, churches, theatres, hotels, auditoriums and child care institutions.