California Code § 1596.954: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

📋Type B Violation🏢Affects: Child Care Centers

What Is California Code § 1596.954: Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

California Code § 1596.954

Every licensed child day care center shall have one or more carbon monoxide detectors in the facility that meet the standards established in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12. The department shall account for the presence of these detectors during inspections. *(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 503, Sec. 4. (AB 2386) Effective January 1, 2015.)*

💡Insider's Tips

Inspectors physically check that your carbon monoxide detectors are present, mounted, and functional. They press the test button during walkthroughs. If it doesn't beep, that's an immediate write-up, not a chance to replace batteries. You need detectors that meet Chapter 8 standards (UL 2034 certification), and they must be installed on every level of your facility where children have access. Battery-only models are acceptable, but I recommend hardwired units with battery backup because dead batteries are the number one reason providers get cited. Check your detectors monthly and log it. Inspectors sometimes ask to see your maintenance log, and having one shows good faith even if it's not explicitly required.

facilities cited recently

That's 1 in 5000 facilities

counties affected

most common citation

📉

Decreasing

Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days

8 facilities (was 18)10 facilities

Source: California CCLD inspection records | Data: last 90 days as of Feb 16, 2026

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Detectors Citations

✓ Prevention Checklist

Report unusual incidents to parents immediately
Document incidents thoroughly and objectively
Report serious incidents to licensing as required
Follow up as needed on incident outcomes

❌ Common Mistakes

Installing smoke detectors but not carbon monoxide detectors, or assuming a combo unit covers the requirement. Inspectors verify CO detection separately and check the label for CO-specific certification.
Placing detectors only in the main activity room and skipping hallways, nap rooms, or kitchen areas. The regulation says the facility must have coverage, and inspectors check every room children use.
Letting batteries die between inspections. Providers assume they'll hear the low-battery chirp, but in a noisy childcare environment it's easy to miss. A dead detector during an unannounced visit is an automatic citation.
Using residential-grade detectors that don't meet Chapter 8 (Section 13260) standards. Not all hardware store models qualify, and inspectors check for the UL 2034 or CSA 6.19 certification marking.
Mounting detectors too high or too low. Manufacturers specify optimal placement height, and while inspectors don't usually measure, a detector sitting on a shelf instead of wall-mounted may not function properly and can be flagged.

What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days

Based on facility inspection reports filed with California's Community Care Licensing Division, here's how this citation appears across different regions in the past 90 days.

Los Angeles County

4 citations

San Mateo County

2 citations

Santa Clara County

1 citations

Santa Barbara County

1 citations

Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 2/16/2026

See California Code § 1596.954: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Citations in Your County

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

California Health and Safety Code 1596.954 requires every licensed child day care center to have one or more carbon monoxide detectors that meet Chapter 8 standards (Section 13260 and beyond). Unlike smoke detectors, CO detectors specifically sense colorless, odorless gas from furnaces, water heaters, and other combustion sources. Inspectors verify their presence and functionality during every visit, so a missing or dead detector is caught quickly.

How common is the Carbon Monoxide Detectors citation?

According to California CCLD inspection records as of February 08, 2026, 10 facilities have been cited for this violation in the past 90 days across 7 California counties. That's roughly 1 in 4,000 inspected facilities, or about 0.02%. Los Angeles leads with 3 citations, San Mateo has 2, and San Bernardino, Santa Clara, and Yuba each had one. Dead batteries remain the most common trigger, since a detector with no power counts the same as no detector at all.

What triggers this citation during an inspection?

Inspectors press the test button on every carbon monoxide detector during their walkthrough. If it doesn't beep, that's an immediate write-up. Based on CCLD inspection patterns, they also check for UL 2034 or CSA 6.19 certification markings on the unit itself. A smoke detector without CO sensing capability doesn't satisfy the requirement, even if it's a combo unit. They verify coverage in every room children access, including nap rooms and hallways, not just the main activity space.

How can I prevent this citation?

Install hardwired CO detectors with battery backup on every level where children have access. Hardwired units eliminate the dead-battery problem that causes most citations. Test every detector monthly and log the date in a maintenance binder. Check the label for UL 2034 certification before purchasing. Replace units according to the manufacturer's expiration date, usually every 5 to 7 years. Keep the receipt in your file so you can prove the installation date if asked.

What should I do if I receive this citation?

Replace or repair the detector the same day if possible. Purchase a UL 2034-certified unit from any hardware store and install it before the follow-up visit. If the citation was for coverage gaps (missing rooms), add detectors to every space children use. Start a monthly test log and include it in your Plan of Correction as proof of your new maintenance routine. Keep purchase receipts on file. For complex situations, consider consulting a licensed childcare compliance specialist.

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This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed childcare compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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