The state Department of Community Affairs is expected to adopt regulations on June 5 requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings, including schools, where there is any chance of CO (carbon monoxide) build-up. Compliance would be required by early September, 90 days after adoption of the regulations.
The regulations will implement a statute enacted in November 2015, which expands the requirement for CO detectors to all multi-unit private structures, as well as commercial and public buildings including schools. (See initial report in School Board Notes’ “Legislative Update,” November 2015.)
Called the “Korman and Park’s Law,” the statute, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123f, is named for Noel Korman, a champion skateboarder, and his friend Alice Park, who were victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in a Passaic building that contained multiple art studios and rehearsal spaces.
The regulations will allow public schools to comply with the law through the use of battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. School Board Notes will provide additional information concerning installation requirements when the regulations are adopted.