Carbon Monoxide: The Unseen Danger

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas. It is created as a waste product of the incomplete burning of coal, wood, oil, and other petroleum based fuels like gasoline and propane. CO gas, although odorless, usually occurs in a combination of combustion by-products that have unique odors. The primary source is the internal combustion engine. CO gas is also generated in industrial operations such as auto repair, oil refining, steel, and chemical manufacturing.

Hazards of carbon monoxide

CO is a chemical asphyxiant, which means that it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. It can then get into the lungs and bloodstream and cause suffocation. Since it’s odorless, there may be no warning if toxic CO levels are present.

CO gas mixes very well with air and enters easily through walls and ceilings. It is also very flammable and may react very strongly with oxygen, acetylene, chlorine, fluorine, or nitrous oxide.

Symptoms of exposure include:

Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Rapid breathing
Unconsciousness
Worsen preexisting heart and artery disease
Death

IMPORTANT

If you suspect someone has carbon monoxide poisoning, move the person immediately from the source and to the fresh air. Call 911 or your emergency number for medical assistance. CO poisoning can be reversed if caught in time.

Who is at risk?

Workers most likely to be exposed to carbon monoxide include welders, diesel engine operators, and forklift drivers. Toll booth attendants and mechanics are also among those at risk.

Carbon monoxide control methods

To reduce the chances of CO poisoning in the workplace:

Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors with audible alarms.
Install a ventilation system that will effectively remove CO from the work area.
Properly maintain equipment that may produce CO to enhance safe operation and to reduce CO generation.
Consider switching from gasoline-powered equipment to battery or electric equipment. For example, switching from propane powered forklifts to electric forklifts.
Do not allow the use of gasoline-powered equipment indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
Educate workers about the sources, hazards, and controls of CO.
Test air regularly in areas where CO may be present, including confined spaces.

What should employees do?

Report any situation to your employer that might cause CO to build up.
Pay attention to ventilation problems, especially in enclosed areas.
Do not use gas-powered equipment in enclosed spaces.
If your facility has installed carbon monoxide monitors and an alarm is triggered, immediately shut off the equipment you are using, move to fresh air and contact a supervisor immediately.
Know the symptoms of CO poisoning which include headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
If a coworker is experiencing CO poisoning, get the victim to the fresh open air and contact emergency medical services.

For more information please see the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)’s Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.