Toolbox Talk: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on the Job Site
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can slow down your reflexes, affect your judgment, cause headaches and nausea, and ultimately kill you. CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating gas. As an asphyxiate, it starves your body of oxygen by combining directly with your blood so it can’t carry oxygen. Only 50 parts per million parts of air of CO are necessary for carbon monoxide poisoning. Levels higher than that have been measured in congested tunnels and underpasses.
Points to Remember:
1. Here are some sources of CO on a construction site:
• Gas equipment such as cut-off saws, generators, and compressors
• Gas vehicles such as concrete trucks and buggies, skid steers, spreaders, forklifts, man lifts, etc.
• Space heaters fueled by natural gas, propane, kerosene, etc.
• Improperly installed furnaces or appliances
2. Never use any gas-powered tools, equipment, or vehicles in a confined space.
3. Substitute electric tools, equipment, and trucks for gas-powered when you work inside.
4. Place gas-powered generators and compressors safely outside of the building.
5. If CO-producing devices must be used in enclosed areas, sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation should be provided to maintain the health and safety of workers. Venting alone might not be enough. Perform air quality testing to check levels throughout the day.
6. Be aware of others in the building using gas-powered tools or equipment.
