Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hazards in Construction

Exposure

Oct 26

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can’t be seen, can’t be smelled, can't be heard, but can be stopped with a carbon monoxide detector.

Date Posted: 10/27/2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. So, you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present. CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of carbon-containing material such as natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. Other examples include vehicle exhaust, fuel-burning furnaces, coal-burning power plants, small gasoline engines, portable gasoline-powered generators, power washers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, marine engines, forklifts, propane-powered heaters, gas water heaters, and kerosene heaters.

How Can You Get Exposed to CO in the Workplace?

Exposure to CO can occur when operating equipment with gasoline combustion engines, such as pressure washers, concrete cutters, water pumps, air compressors, and generators at construction sites. CO is also produced from kerosene space heaters (salamanders), natural gas cooking units, and propane-powered floor polishers. Outdoor use of any of this equipment is not usually hazardous, but carbon monoxide can quickly build up to dangerous and even deadly amounts in buildings, confined or enclosed spaces.

What are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide is harmful when inhaled because it displaces oxygen in the blood, depriving the heart, brain, lungs, and other vital organs of oxygen. Within minutes of exposure, large amounts of CO can cause loss of conscienceless and can be fatal. Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are like the flu (but without the fever). They include:

Headache

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

High-level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

Mental confusion

Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death

How Can You Protect Yourself from CO Exposure in the Workplace?

Before working, identify all potential sources of carbon monoxide exposure.
Use generators outside. Never run gas-powered generators or compressors inside a building or in a semi-enclosed outdoor space. Locate them as far as practical from any occupied building.
Use gas-powered tools outside. Don’t use gas-powered tools indoors. These tools include gas-powered concrete saws, pressure washers, water pumps, and power trowels.
Know CO hazards and controls required by your employer. Fuel-powered forklifts can cause CO poisoning indoors. Avoid letting engines idle.
Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide exposure, such as headache, faintness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. If symptoms occur, turn off equipment, go outdoors, and call for medical help.

What Can Be Done if Someone is Suspected to be Poisoned with CO?

According to the OSHA Factsheet for CO, if you suspect CO poisoning, promptly taking the following actions can save lives:

Move the victim immediately to fresh air in an open area.
Call 911 or another local emergency number for medical attention or assistance.
Administer 100 percent oxygen using a tight-fitting mask if the victim is breathing.
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the victim has stopped breathing.

Warning: You may be exposed to fatal levels of CO poisoning in a rescue attempt where CO is or could be present. Rescuers should be skilled at performing recovery operations and using recovery equipment. Employers should ensure rescuers are not exposed to dangerous CO levels when performing rescue operations.