Massachusetts law about carbon monoxide detectors

Massachusetts law

Nicole's Law: MGL c.148, s.26F 1/2
Law effective March 31, 2006 requires carbon monoxide detectors in most homes. The law is named for 7-year-old Nicole Garofalo, who died in January 2005 when a heating vent in her house was blocked by snow drifts, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate in the home.

Massachusetts regulations

527 CMR 1 (page 123-140) Massachusetts comprehensive fire safety code

The section covering carbon monoxide detectors can be found beginning on page 123 of 527 CMR 1. This section begins: "13.7 Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Protection Systems."

Web sources

• Carbon Monoxide Safety, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services
  Explains the requirements of the carbon monoxide detector law (Nicole's Law) and regulations. Links to everything you need to know about the law.
• Consumer's Guide to Massachusetts Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services, 2015.
  Brochure outlines the requirements of the law.
• Guide to Massachusetts Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Requirements When Selling a One- or Two-Family Residence, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services, 2016.
• An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Carbon Monoxide, US Environmental Protection Agency
  Explains the sources, dangers, and remediation of carbon monoxide

Print sources

Handling Residential Real Estate Transactions in Massachusetts, MCLE loose-leaf, chapter 4.2

Last updated:	April 18, 2018