Thursday, January 8, 2015

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONINGS AT INDOOR WORK PLACES




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.