But if an inspector — even a veteran one — doesn’t have that type of background, Royer said certification requirements would be in order.

Busse said he and his fellow inspector for the city of St. Peter attend classes on an ongoing basis to maintain inspection standards and would voluntarily go through any new licensure certification, even though they aren’t required to.

Carbon monoxide detectors wil be required by law

By August, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed within 10 feet of each bedroom in every Minnesota home, and in many apartments by August 2009.

The new state law was enacted in 2007. Safety advocates said detectors could save 100 lives a year in the state and spare others from monoxide-caused illnesses.

Alarms typically cost between $20 and $50.

Alarms are designed to sound an alarm when carbon monoxide levels become life-threatening.

Higher-priced monitors provide information about low levels of the odorless, colorless gas, and sound alarms at life-threatening levels.