New Jersey State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden)
introduced bill S2106 amending the Uniform Fire Safety Act
with regards to the mandatory use of carbon monoxide (CO)
detectors when using oil-fired and natural gas furnaces and
water heaters.
S2106, which was introduced on June 26, requires a
certificate of occupancy or a certificate of inspection
when a change of occupancy occurs in structures having
fewer than three dwellings. This bill supports charging the
cost of the inspection and certificate to the owner of the
structure.
To obtain one of these certificates, an inspection is required. The bill mandates that the inspector determine whether the structure has a working CO detector and whether there is at present a CO threat within the building.
The same procedure is mandated by S2106 when a structure is leased or sold to another party or when an oil- or gas-fired furnace or hot water tank is installed. The bill also allows for a penalty of up to $100 for those who fail to comply.
