Carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless, tasteless and odourless poisonous gas, is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of carbon-containing material. This gas can quickly accumulate in areas where employees work, even if the space appears well-ventilated. Exposure to CO can cause serious health problems and even death.

Considering these hazards, it is essential that businesses take steps to ensure their workplace is safe from CO exposure. This article explores the common causes of CO poisoning in businesses, describes the signs of CO poisoning and the employees at higher risk, and provides practical steps to minimise this risk.

Common Causes of CO Poisoning in Businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that CO is produced mainly when the burning of carbon-based fuels (eg gas, oil, wood and coal) is incomplete. When the fuel doesn’t burn fully, excess CO is emitted.

Common CO sources are:

• Faulty appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters or gas cookers that improperly burn fuel and release CO into the workplace.
• Internal combustion engines, such as those used by many cars, trucks, forklifts and other machines.
• Equipment and power tools like portable generators, lawn equipment and power washers that run on petrol.

When CO is present in a workplace, certain signs may be noticeable, including:

• Streaks of soot around appliances or fallen soot inside of a fireplace.
• Excess moisture or condensation on surfaces
• Excess rust on pipes
• Yellow or Orange flames (instead of blue) in combustion appliances
• Water leaking from vents or flue pipes
• Damaged or discoloured bricks on top of the chimney or an absence of an upward draft.

Employees at High Risk of CO Poisoning

Many businesses have equipment, appliances and machines that have the potential to produce CO, but employees in specific industries and roles may be at a higher risk due to the nature of their jobs. Here are examples of who may be at an elevated risk of CO poisoning:

• Cooks and bakers
• Blast furnace and boiler room workers
• Mechanics
• Welders
• Pulp and paper producers
• Forklift and diesel engine operators
• Steel producers
• Metal oxide reducers
• Petroleum refiners

Signs of CO Poisoning

When inhaled, CO displaces oxygen in the blood, which can lead to oxygen starvation in vital organs. Recognising these varying signs of CO poisoning is essential to help prevent serious injury or death:

• Early symptoms: Early CO poisoning symptoms often mimic the flu and include headache, dizziness, weakness nausea and chest pain. These can be mistaken for other illnesses.
• Severe symptoms: Prolonged or high levels of CO exposure lead to confusion, vomiting, muscle weakness, collapse and loss of consciousness. Neurological symptoms and cardiac issues may also occur.

It is important to note that symptoms can vary by person, and some populations are more susceptible to CO poisoning, including the elderly; young children; those with pre-existing heart or long-term conditions; those who work at high altitudes; and those with anaemia, sickle cell anaemia and elevated CO blood levels (eg smokers). CO poisoning also poses unique risks to pregnant workers and their unborn children.

CO poisoning can be reversed if it is caught in time, according to the NHS. However, acute poisoning may cause permanent damage to body parts that require high oxygen levels, such as the brain and heart.

Steps to Minimise CO Risks

With the severity of CO hazards, businesses need to take steps to eliminate or reduce the potential for CO-related injuries or fatalities. Measures to take include:

• Ensure proper installation of equipment, appliances or other machines that may produce CO. This can be accomplished by following applicable manufacturer instructions, building regulations and HSE guidance.
• Conduct regular inspections. Heating systems, chimneys, flues and other equipment that could produce CO should be inspected annually by professionals. Air in spaces where CO may be present should also be regularly tested for the presence of the gas.
• Educate employees. Staff should be trained on CO risks, symptoms and emergency procedures. They must also be encouraged to report any suspicious Oduors or symptoms, avoid overexertion if they suspect CO poisoning and leave contaminated areas.
• Check for proper ventilation. Its vital to ensure adequate ventilation exists in enclosed spaces where fuel-burning equipment operates and avoid running equipment that could produce CO near open doors or windows or near air intakes.
• Utilise CO detectors. CO detectors should be installed in areas near potential CO sources (e.g. boiler rooms, garages, kitchens) and routinely tested. Batteries should be replaced regularly. If an employee is at a heightened risk of CO exposure, they should be provided with a personal CO monitor.
• Prohibit indoor use of diesel or petrol powered equipment. The use of fuel powered tools or equipment (e.g. generators, concrete cutting saws, high pressure washers, floor buffers) should be prohibited indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Where appropriate, businesses should consider alternative power supplies (e.g. batteries, electricity or compressed air) instead of diesel or petrol powered equipment.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) Ensuring employees who work in areas with potentially high CO concentrations have access to proper PPE ( e.g. self contained breathing apparatus) and know how to use it is critical.
• Emergency response plan. Employers must develop and communicate an emergency plan for CO incidents. Such a plan should include procedures for evacuation and providing medical assistance.

Conclusion

Employers have a duty to ensure safe working conditions for their employees. Being aware of the risks of CO and taking proactive steps to eliminate or mitigate those hazards can help accomplish this goal.

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