Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7, 2022.

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is found in fumes produced by furnaces, kerosene heaters, vehicles “warmed up” in garages, stoves, lanterns, and gas ranges, portable generators, or by burning charcoal and wood indoor. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Change the batteries in your CO detector every six months. If you don’t have a battery-powered or battery back-up CO detector, buy one soon.
• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Keep vents/flues and fresh air intake free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.
• If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 or a health care professional right away.

CO poisoning is entirely preventable. You can protect yourself and your family by learning the symptoms of CO poisoning and how to prevent it.

For more information, please visit the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning website.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7, 2022.

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BC Government strengthen the home inspection profession under the Professional Governance Act

The BC Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General has recently sent out a notice to Home Inspectors in the province inviting feedback about a proposal to shift from a licensing model under Consumer Protection BC (2009) to a professional governance model (2019), with government oversight under the Professional Governance Act (PGA). 

Note: Last year, the PGA created a Superintendent of Professional Governance that oversees the five regulated professions, including:

• BC Institute of Agrologists;
• Applied Science and Technologist s & Technicians of BC;
• College of Applied Biology;
• Engineers and Geoscientists BC; and
• Association of BC Forest Professionals.

8 Jan 2020

Dear Home Inspector:

Government has committed to improving the regulatory model to strengthen the home inspection profession and promote consumer confidence in home inspections.

We would like to hear your views about a proposal to shift from a licensing model under Consumer Protection BC to a professional governance model, with government oversight under the Professional Governance Act.

Details about the proposal are set out in the consultation paper, found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/housing-and-tenancy/buying-and-selling-property/improving-consumer-confidence-home-inspections-intentions-paper-final-jan-7-2020.pdf

Please send your responses to the discussion questions to PSSG-CPPO@gov.bc.ca by January 31, 2020. 

Thank you in advance for sharing your views.

Regards,

Corporate Policy and Planning Office

Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General


Here are the questions to the licensed home inspectors:
1. Please provide your views on a move to a professional governance model for home inspectors, under the Professional Governance Act. 
2. How would a shift to a professional governance model affect your home inspection business? 
3. What steps would you recommend to ensure a smooth transition to a professional governance model? 
4. Please provide any additional comments or questions you have about the proposal.