Bring out your respirators and gas masks, everyone! The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently warned the public about the threats of carbon monoxide (CO) at the workplace. The Department particularly called upon employers to reduce the hazards of CO poisoning. The message came shortly after the recent incident involving about a dozen employees getting ill because of the toxic gas.

“Every fall and winter, we see an increase in these incidents,” said Director Steve Cant. “The exposures may involve large numbers of workers in a single incident.”

Photo from Image*After

But workers are not always armed with respirators or gas masks to protect themselves from carbon monoxide. CO usually originates from fuel burning equipment operated in an enclosed area. Protecting yourself from this gas is a tricky business. Not only is it colorless, it is also odorless and hard to detect.

Everyone is susceptible to carbon monoxide. People with serious health conditions like heart disease, anemia, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems are more at risk of getting ill even with minimal exposure to this silent killer. These are the very reasons why every worker must be trained in reducing the hazards of carbon monoxide, as well as responding to emergencies caused by it.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Don’t fall prey to this toxic gas. Take it from carbon monoxide victims themselves who weren’t able to save themselves or call for help just because they did not know what serious hazards they were exposed to.

Here are the mild, medium, and extreme exposure symptoms of carbon monoxide:

• Mild exposure symptoms – flu-like symptoms: dizziness, slight headache, nausea, weakness, fatigue, sleepiness and confusion

• Medium exposure symptoms – drowsiness, throbbing frontal headache, confusion and fast heart rate

• Extreme exposure symptoms – convulsions, unconsciousness, and heart and lung failure (may eventually lead to brain damage and death)

Adequate Ventilation

Be doubly cautious in a closed environment (basement, parking lot, inside or beside a closed building) where fuel burning equipment is running or operated. Workers must be trained to stay as far as possible from such equipment, especially if appropriate ventilation is not provided. Take note, though, that CO may drift from these confined spaces to other adjacent areas.

Here are examples of fuel burning equipment that may produce high levels of carbon monoxide:

• Space heaters
• Exhaust from vehicles and equipment
• Gas-powered generators and compressors
• Gas welding and cutting or other burning operations
• Hot-roof tar kettles

Prevention of CO Poisoning

The following are general tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning or minimizing exposure to this gas at the workplace:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector with an audible and visual warning alarm at least 15 feet away from gas-powered equipment.

• Do not install CO detectors near fans, swamp coolers or other sources of fresh or cool air as they can keep it from making accurate readings.

Photo by Curugon

• Regularly maintain carbon monoxide detectors by keeping them clean and free of grease, soot, dust and debris. Instead of using chemical cleansers, clean detectors with a slightly damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner.

• Test your CO detectors regularly.

• Replace CO detectors and smoke alarms every ten years.

• Inspect ventilation and heating systems regularly, especially before and during cold or hot weather.

• Prohibit workers from operating fuel-powered equipment, engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas.

• Consider replacing gas-powered equipment with their electric, battery- or compressed-air-operated counterparts, especially in areas where there is a high risk of CO poisoning.

• Require workers to wear appropriate respirators or breathing apparatus in areas with high levels of carbon monoxide.

Rescuing Poisoned Workers

All employees must be trained to rescue co-workers who may be poisoned with carbon monoxide. Here are steps to follow when a worker is suspected of CO poisoning:

1. Immediately move the worker to a room or area with fresh air.

2. Call for emergency medical assistance and/or take them to the

nearest medical treatment facility.

3. Administer oxygen if the affected worker is breathing.

4. Administer CPR if they are not breathing.

5. Shortly after the exposure, run a simple blood test to confirm carbon monoxide poisoning.

Related Links:

OSHA Announces Top 10 Most Cited Violations

Proper Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Plan and Training for Workers

MSDS in Your Hazard Communication Program: Your Guard against Hazardous Chemicals

PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 1

Creating Emergency Action Plans for Your Workplace