Category: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a gas that is colorless and odorless and is produced as a result of the burning of fossil fuels. While small amounts of carbon monoxide can be produced as a result of natural processes and are generally not a reason for concern, carbon monoxide that appears in higher levels can be dangerous and even deadly. For this reason, homes and residential complexes, as well as many industrial and commercial businesses, should all be safeguarded by the use of carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA.

If you’re unsure whether your business needs to have a detection system installed, there are several factors that you should take into account. Even if there aren’t any regulations requiring that you have monitors for your specific business or building, investing in detection may still be the best option.

The importance of detection

Perhaps the most pressing case for carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA is the fact that carbon monoxide can easily go unnoticed, even at dangerous levels. It is both colorless and odorless, which means that it might not be observed until it begins to cause symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of the regulations regarding carbon monoxide detection have to do with residential complexes, homes or other dwelling spaces, though these aren’t the only places that are susceptible to carbon monoxide at dangerous levels. Oftentimes, carbon monoxide poisoning occurs as a result of improper ventilation around the burning of fossil fuels. This can be observed in enclosed parking garages with minimal circulation or in confined spaces where generators or other equipment that burns fossil fuels are used.

Reasons why your business might need detection systems

If your business is not a hospitality property like a motel or a bed and breakfast, there are still certain factors that might make your business more vulnerable to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. In order to safeguard your business and your employees against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure that you adhere to local and state regulations regarding ventilation and equipment use. Additionally, you should look into reliable carbon monoxide detection in San Jose, CA if any of the following statements are true for your business.

• Your employees use propane-powered equipment
• Your business includes an enclosed parking area
• You operate a warehouse facility
• Your business is intended to house people
• Your equipment uses burning fuel

At MDC Systems Inc., we understand the importance of keeping businesses and employees safe from exposure to toxic gas and high levels of carbon monoxide. For years, we have been providing our clients with safe and effective detection and monitoring solutions to keep their workplaces safe and give them peace of mind. Our trained team of professionals is highly skilled at inspecting your space and installing a monitoring or detection system that works for your specific needs. If you’re ready to invest in carbon monoxide detection in San Jose, CA for your business, give us a call and get your free estimate.

Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Whether it is time to upgrade your current system or install new monitors in a new facility, you need to make a good choice when you add this essential equipment. Otherwise, your safety precautions may be pointless, which places workers and customers at risk. Here are five factors to consider when you’re getting ready to choose new carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA:

• Alarm volume: There is no point in installing carbon monoxide detectors if no one on the premises hears them. If you have a noisy manufacturing operation or machine shop, you will need to find a loud alarm—especially if your workers wear OSHA-certified hearing protection. There are models available made especially for loud environments. Consider those if you are concerned about volume. The minimum volume level required by Underwriters Libraries is 85 decibels, but depending on your workplace conditions, you may need to find something louder.
• Interconnectivity: Detectors must be able to communicate with each other. This is especially essential if they also provide remote alerts via smartphone. You cannot install one brand in one area and expect them to effectively communicate with a different model in another area. It is also unlikely that a new system will work with an older app if you have remote alerts. When you install new systems, the changes must be uniform throughout the premises. That is the only way you can assure alerts are issued in a timely manner to evacuate a plant or send help to make repairs.
• Lifespan: Carbon monoxide detectors, like other technology, have a maximum useful life. Sensors eventually wear out or are replaced with new technology. Models with low-battery and “end of life” warning features assure you make upgrades and repairs on time. Also, seek detectors with a long warranty. If they wear out prematurely, that will help you avoid losses after you invest time and money in a new system.
• Ability to test: There should be an easy testing process for your detectors. Tests should include all functions like alarm volume, remote alerts and sensitivity level. If your detectors only sound an alarm when carbon monoxide levels are especially high and dangerous, your workers may feel symptoms before they receive a warning. You want your alarms to issue warnings before workers feel symptoms. Otherwise, you risk illness and worker compensation claims. You cannot assure this safety precaution unless you choose a model that is easily tested.
• Local regulations: Your state or municipality may have standards for carbon monoxide detection in your industry. Check those first before investing in a system. Investing in a system only to find it does not meet those requirements does not work for your bottom line or workplace safety policies. Since laws can change, it is better to exceed requirements than settle for just barely meeting them.

MDC Systems Inc. provides carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA to shops and businesses in the area. Call today to learn about our systems.