CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONINGS AT INDOOR WORK PLACES
Running just one
propane-powered machine in a poorly ventilated space can lead to carbon
monoxide poisoning, even in larger spaces like this one.
In recent months a total of 459
employees were poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) at separate work places across
the United States.
Inspections tied the poisonings to propane- or liquid
gas-powered equipment used in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces. Built-in ventilation systems (HVACs) in these
work spaces were either taken out of service (to avoid dust contamination
during work activities) or not capable of removing a buildup of CO gas.
Hazard prevention starts with recognition that CO can
become a danger on jobsites like the ones described here. Dangerously high
levels of CO built up in the air:
•
After just 2 hours of pressure washing a
concrete floor inside a 200 foot-long townhouse garage
•
Within 1 ½ hours of operating a power screed and
two riding-power trowels inside a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse
•
During the work shift while using a
floor-scraper machine to remove tile inside a 22,000 sq. ft. office space.
Industrial fans and negative-pressure air machines are
often not enough to stop a serious CO build up, even in large spaces. Testing
the air for CO during work activities will tell you if your ventilation setup
is keeping CO below regulatory limits. If high CO levels persist, you may need
to add a portable ventilation system that can ensure enough contaminated air is
effectively vented to the outside and replaced by fresh air.