Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas-Powered Tools and Equipment
Contributed by Joan K. Brown, ARM, Pinnacol Assurance Industrial Hygienist
Each year, workers are poisoned by exhaust from gas-powered tools and equipment used indoors. These workers are seriously poisoned because small gasoline-powered engines quickly produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) even in relatively open buildings. Affected workers include users of concrete saws, propane or gasoline-powered forklifts, high-pressure spray washers, compressors, generators, pumps, power trowels, and floor buffers.
These poisonings can occur within minutes, even in the presence of what many would consider “adequate ventilation,” and in areas that many would define as relatively open spaces such as parking garages.
CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas. Exposure to CO can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, confusion, chest pain, or vomiting. Exposure to high concentrations of CO may result in unconsciousness and possibly death.
If your company uses gasoline-powered tools or equipment, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends you take the following precautions:
· Conduct a workplace survey to identify sources of CO exposure.
· Do not allow the use of gas-powered engines or tools inside buildings or enclosed areas.
· Place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers and air compressors outdoors so that engine exhaust is not drawn indoors where the work is being done.
· Consider the use of tools powered by electricity or compressed air if they are available and can be used safely.
· If propane or gasoline-powered equipment must be used, reduce engine CO emissions through equipment maintenance.
· Educate workers about the sources and symptoms of CO exposure, and what to do if they or a coworker are having problems.
For more information, contact Pinnacol Assurance at 1-800-873-7242 or call your association’s safety representative.