It is an odourless, colourless and toxic gas which can seriously affect indoor air quality up to causing severe health consequences. We refer to carbon monoxide (CO) one of the most common pollutant emissions in the domestic environment which must be closely monitored so that they do not exceed the alarm levels. The Gouvernement Princier (Monaco's Government) enacted a more stringent legislation making mandatory the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all housing spaces connected to the public gas network. The measure enters into force today, the 22nd July 2023, according to the Ministerial Decree No. 2023-416 of the 11th July 2023, amending the Ministerial Decree No. 2018-1079 of the 21st November 2018 on General Principles of Fire Safety and panic in buildings, as modified.
Any detection equipment must be equipped with a sound device to warn occupants of an abnormal rise in the CO level, also through interconnected digital networks (e.g.: smartphone, table, etc.) provided that it operates promptly. Thus, this measure is intended to allow early diagnosis of this hazardous gas with high rate of poisoning.
To be fully effective, the installation of the carbon monoxide detector must meet
several conditions. Notably, it must be placed, both on the wall or on the ceiling, in the same environment as the air pollutant source and at a distance of 1 to 3 metres from the fuel appliance. In particular:
As for the ceiling installation, the detector must be away from any kind of obstacle.
As for the wall installation, the detector must exceed the height of doors and windows (at least 15 cm from the plafond).
Monaco's Government action plan is willing to reduce risks of domestic accidents, starting from basic recommendations like ventilating rooms every day together with the proper annual maintenance of boilers, heaters and other equipment connected to the fuel gas distribution network. A topic of vital importance for maintaining liveable conditions in the whole urban area of Monaco. ***
For more information on precautions to be taken and the rescue actions in case of intoxication please visit the online agenda « Intoxications par monoxyde de carbone (CO) » («Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxications») available on MyServicePublic web site:
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By Maurice Abbati
Springer International Publishing
