When should the gas company be requested during a CO alarm investigation?

In a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm investigation, it is crucial to determine the appropriate threshold at which to involve the gas company for further assessment and possible intervention. Requesting the gas company when readings are above 9 ppm is based on established safety protocols and guidelines which recognize that lower levels of carbon monoxide can still pose significant risks, but levels above this threshold indicate a more serious potential source of CO that requires professional investigation.

Typically, a level of 9 ppm suggests that there may be a malfunctioning appliance or other significant source of CO, which the gas company is equipped to address safely. Involving the gas company at this point ensures that any potential hazards can be thoroughly assessed, ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating the risk of serious health consequences.

While lower readings, such as 5 ppm or 7 ppm, may indicate the presence of CO, they may not be alarming enough to necessitate the expertise of the gas company, especially if they are within acceptable limits that can sometimes be encountered due to environmental factors. Normal readings would certainly not warrant a call to the gas company since there would be no immediate concern regarding CO exposure. Thus, the 9 ppm reading serves as a critical benchmark for when specialized assistance becomes essential.