The 4 P's of CO Safety

Poison

There is no “safe” level of carbon monoxide.

Prevention

Stop carbon monoxide before it starts.

Protection

Detect CO early, before symptoms appear.

Preparation

Everyone should know what to do when alarms sound.

The 4 P's: A simple framework for understanding, preventing, and preparing for carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide (CO) safety doesn’t have to be complicated. At CO Safe Schools, we use the 4 Ps of CO Safety: a clear, practical framework that helps schools, daycares, campuses, and communities protect people from CO exposure.

Each “P” represents a vital layer of safety: Poison, Prevention, Protection, and Preparedness. Together, they form the foundation of a safer, healthier environment; one where every person understands their role in stopping this invisible danger.

Poison

Carbon monoxide doesn’t wait for “high” readings to cause harm.

Any level of exposure begins to compromise the body’s ability to carry oxygen, starving cells and organs of what they need to function.

How the body responds depends on three factors, what we call The CO Effect Model:

Unique Biology (age, health, pregnancy, or existing conditions)
PPM Concentration (how much CO is present in the air, affected by space size and ventilation)
Exposure Time (how long someone is breathing that air)

Carbon monoxide doesn’t discriminate, but it does interact with everybody differently.

Learn more: Understanding The CO Effect Model →

Prevention

Prevention means identifying and eliminating sources of carbon monoxide before they can create danger.

It’s the most effective, long-term solution to CO safety, and it starts with how we design, operate, and maintain our spaces.

✅ Prevention Steps

Replace gas-fueled appliances, tools, and heating with electric alternatives.
Prohibit vehicle idling and gas-powered tool use within 25 feet of any building.
Require all contractors to follow a “no gas on campus” policy unless proper detection and ventilation are in place.
Regularly inspect HVAC systems, vents, and exhaust lines for obstructions, leaks, corrosion, or disconnection.

The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to prevent CO from existing in our spaces at all.

Protection

Even with strong prevention policies, carbon monoxide can still find its way indoors.

Protection comes from detection: using reliable systems that alert you the moment CO levels rise.

✅ Protection Measures

Equip all staff and contractors using gas-powered equipment with portable CO meters or low-level alarms.
Require maintenance teams to carry handheld meters for quick checks in mechanical or enclosed spaces.
Where possible, install hardwired, interconnected CO detectors in every building, regardless of installed equipment. If hardwiring is not possible, ensure every "occupiable" space has a CO alarm with a plug-in/battery power source.
Ensure CO detection has distinct tones or visual alerts that differ from fire or security alarms.
Regularly test and maintain all detection equipment.

You can’t see, hear, smell, or taste carbon monoxide; your protection has to do it for you.

Preparedness

Preparedness means having a plan, practicing it, and making sure everyone (from teachers and students to maintenance staff) knows exactly what to do in a CO emergency.

✅ Preparedness Planning

Train all occupants on what the CO alarm sounds like and what it means.
Ensure everyone knows which system (fire, CO, or security) is alerting.
Include CO evacuation drills in your annual safety calendar.
Have plans for evacuation in inclement weather, and identify safe outdoor gathering areas.
Post CO emergency contacts near all alarm panels and maintenance areas.

Prepared people make safer places.

Putting the 4 P's Into Action

Every school, daycare, and campus can use the 4 Ps of CO Safety to evaluate their readiness:

Are we minimizing sources of CO (Prevention)?
Are we detecting CO early (Protection)?
Do our staff and students know how to respond (Preparedness)?

The first step is awareness, but the next is action.

👉 Download the CO Safety Check Toolkit to begin assessing your property for risks related to the 4 Ps.