#ToolboxTuesday - Carbon Monoxide Awareness

As more work moves indoors for winter, there is a greater chance of becoming overexposed to carbon monoxide because windows and doors are often shut to maintain the building's heat, trapping the exhaust fumes from the equipment as well.

Generators, power trowels, pressure washers and propane heaters are examples of equipment that releases carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odourless gas. Carbon monoxide affects a person because it reduces the amount of oxygen available to the body. After carbon monoxide enters the body, it quickly combines with hemoglobin in the blood. Without oxygen, you will slowly suffocate.

 

What does this mean for workers? As the CO fills the space, it displaces oxygen and will affect workers as follows:

  • Slight headache and dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Drowsiness and a euphoric feeling

  • Unconsciousness

  • Death

Alberta OHS states, "The OEL for carbon monoxide is 25 ppm, based on an 8-hour work shift. If work shifts are longer than 8 hours, the exposure limit must be adjusted."

Procedure to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Overexposure:

  1. Inspect the job site and remove any internal combustion machinery located near a hatch or other opening that may cause exhaust fumes to enter the space.

  2. VENTILATE, VENTILATE, VENTILATE!!

  3. Frequently monitor workspaces for CO with testing equipment and observe workers for signs of CO exposure.

  4. Train workers about the early symptoms of CO exposure.

Amanda Pochapskyalbertaoilandgas, alberta, albertasafety, safety, health and safety, ToolboxTuesday, constructionsafety, oilandgas, Toolbox Topics