In carbon monoxide investigations, when should gas appliances not be shut off?

In carbon monoxide investigations, gas appliances should not be shut off during a CO alarm investigation because doing so can disrupt the assessment of the source of the carbon monoxide. The presence of a CO alarm indicates that there may be an ongoing dangerous situation, and shutting off the appliances can lead to a false sense of security or mask the presence of carbon monoxide gas. Keeping the appliances running allows investigators to determine if they are indeed the source of the CO and to take appropriate action based on the conditions observed.

During a routine check, it is typically safe to turn off gas appliances as part of regular maintenance procedures. In the event of a fire outbreak, safety protocols usually prioritize the immediate evacuation and fire suppression rather than focusing on gas appliances. If there is uncertainty about safety, turning off the appliances may be a prudent measure when appropriate, but during an active CO alarm investigation, maintaining the current status of the appliances is essential for accurate detection and response.