Carbon Monoxide Calls..................?

What does your department do for carbon monoxide calls? My department has a tester but we don't stand by it, we'll tell the owner what the reading is and we urge them to get a professional person to check it out. We also have them sign a waiver that tells them we're not responsible for anything. I've heard of some sort of CO test tube that can detect it and if it does it changes color, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere...........................any help or are they a waste of money?

Thanks, TJ

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Permalink Reply by Irons38 on October 10, 2008 at 7:28pm

When we respond to CO calls, we are in full PPE with packs on but without mask. If we have readings above 30 or SOP is to don our mask and to communicate to the battalion that our readings are at or above 30. Usually we call for EMS at this point for anyone who may have to or wants to be checked out if not transported. We usually go in with two meters, one backing up the other one. If CO levels are high then we search for the source and ventilate not leaving till the source has been located and readings are normal.
We do not have forms other then our EMS refusal forms for those occupants not wishing to be checked or transported if levels are high. We have on occasion requested the occupancy to be checked by a air specialist but that is usually for commercial properties. As far as tube testing our hazmat has tubes made by Drager. Its an expensive way of testing if you dont have 3 gas or 4 gas meters to utilize. But to answer your tube question yes Drager makes CO tubes. Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on October 10, 2008 at 8:21pm

I think what you are talking about TJ is a Draeger tube with a hand pumped bellows system... The tubes are packaged with both ends closed off. When you want to use them, you insert both ends of the tube into a small hole on the hand pump unit and break the ends off. Dependent upon what you are testing for, you will have to hand pump the bellows with the "colormetric" tube attached. For each product, the number of times you are suppose to squeeze the bellows to draw air through the tube. You then get a physical confirmation for the presence of whatever it is you are looking for. There are other manufacturers but just google colormetric and you will get the idea and they are not a waste of money... Hope this helps brother. TCSS, Mike from Santa Barbara

Carbon Monoxide Calls..................?

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