Carbon Monoxide is an odorless colorless gas that is dangerous when there is prolonged exposure at certain levels. When exposed, carbon monoxide (CO) displaces the oxygen in your red blood cells. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness. As high levels CO poisoning can include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death. Permissible exposure levels are 50 ppm (parts per million) on an 8 hour weighted average. Most people do not experience any symptoms with exposure to levels of less than 70 ppm. People can be affected differently by CO depending on their physical condition. Dust masks or our respirators do not protect you against CO.
It is important to know the sources of carbon monoxide. The most common sources are internal combustion engines, but you can also find CO in improperly vented appliances and various types of heaters. Basically anything that burns gas, diesel, oil, propane, kerosene, or natural gas will release CO into the air. But also burning wood, charcoal, coal will raise CO levels in the air.
If you think you are experiencing CO poisoning get yourself and everyone else out of the area where there are high CO levels. Get fresh air. If you think your exposure is severe enough seek medical attention. You may need to contact the fire department depending on the situation.
It is important to know CO levels in your work environment. If you are on a job where you are running CO emitting equipment, or someone else is running gas power tools or equipment, we must monitor the air quality. We are providing CO detectors and CO levels should be monitored and recorded as to not exceed permissible levels. If you are running equipment indoors get as much ventilation as possible in the area you are working. This could mean opening doors, windows, and/or running fans. If CO levels get too high, and you have ventilated the area as best you can, you may need to alternate running equipment if multiple pieces of equipment are being used, or you may need to run equipment for short periods of time and let CO levels return to normal and then restarting while monitoring the CO levels.