24 Jul Carbon Monoxide Safety – Surviving the Deadly Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide Safety – Surviving the Deadly Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide safety is essential whenever fuels are burned in vehicles, heaters, generators, furnaces, or other equipment. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up without warning and cause serious illness or death.

Guide for Discussion

Why Carbon Monoxide Is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, wood, and other carbon-containing materials.

Once inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood and reduces the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the body’s tissues. Because CO cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, workers must rely on proper ventilation, equipment maintenance, atmospheric monitoring when required, and CO alarms rather than their senses.

Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Potential sources include:

• Vehicle and equipment exhaust.
• Gasoline- or diesel-powered generators.
• Propane or natural-gas heaters.
• Furnaces and boilers.
• Welding or cutting operations involving combustion.
• Gas-powered pressure washers or compressors.
• Forklifts and other fuel-powered equipment.
• Charcoal grills and other combustion appliances.

Never use fuel-burning equipment in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area unless it is specifically designed and controlled for that use.

Recognize the Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning may cause:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Confusion.
• Drowsiness.
• Chest discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Loss of coordination.
• Loss of consciousness.

High concentrations can cause collapse or death with little or no warning.

Symptoms can sometimes resemble the flu or fatigue. If several people in the same area develop similar symptoms, suspect a possible environmental cause and leave the area immediately.

Vehicles and Equipment

Never assume a vehicle or engine is safe simply because it is outdoors or near an open door.

• Do not idle vehicles or fuel-powered equipment in garages, trailers, enclosed loading areas, or other poorly ventilated spaces.
• Inspect exhaust systems and repair leaks promptly.
• Keep exhaust outlets clear of snow, mud, debris, and other obstructions.
• Position exhaust away from building openings, air intakes, doors, and occupied areas.
• Do not rely on opening a vehicle window as the primary control for a suspected exhaust leak.
• Remove the vehicle from service and repair the exhaust system if CO intrusion is suspected.

Portable Heaters and Generators

Fuel-burning heaters and generators can rapidly create dangerous CO concentrations.

• Use equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
• Provide adequate ventilation.
• Keep generators outside and well away from doors, windows, and air intakes.
• Never use charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors for heating.
• Do not use gas ovens or ranges as space heaters.
• Inspect heaters, vents, flues, and combustion equipment before use.
• Keep combustion-air openings and exhaust paths unobstructed.

Monitoring and Ventilation

Where CO may be generated in a workplace:

• Provide adequate ventilation.
• Use local exhaust or other engineering controls when appropriate.
• Monitor the atmosphere when required by the hazard assessment or work conditions.
• Use properly calibrated direct-reading instruments where CO exposure may be significant.
• Follow applicable exposure limits and company procedures.
• Stop work if ventilation fails or CO concentrations become unsafe.

Do not rely on odor, appearance, or how you feel to determine whether an area is safe.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

CO alarms can provide valuable warning in homes and some workplace settings.

• Install alarms in appropriate locations according to manufacturer instructions and applicable codes.
• Test alarms regularly.
• Replace batteries and units as recommended.
• Never disable or ignore a sounding CO alarm.
• Investigate the cause of an alarm only from a safe location and according to emergency procedures.

If Carbon Monoxide Is Suspected

If you suspect CO exposure or anyone develops symptoms:

1. Leave the area immediately and move to fresh air.
2. Warn others to stay out.
3. Call emergency services when symptoms are significant or exposure may be serious.
4. Notify your supervisor or other designated person.
5. Do not re-enter until the area has been evaluated and determined safe.
6. Do not attempt a rescue in a potentially contaminated atmosphere unless properly trained and equipped.

If it can be done without delaying evacuation or creating additional risk, shut down the suspected source from a safe location.

Remember

Carbon monoxide gives no reliable sensory warning. Control combustion sources, maintain equipment, provide proper ventilation, monitor when necessary, and leave immediately if CO exposure is suspected.