Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Workplaces

• Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless, tasteless and highly toxic.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for thousands of hospitalisations and dozens of deaths each year in the UK.
• Symptoms of CO poisoning can range from headaches and dizziness at low levels of exposure to unconsciousness and death at very high levels.
• Safety measures such as CO alarms and evacuation plans are crucial for preventing exposure in workplaces.

Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, coal or wood do not burn completely.

It can be emitted from various sources, including boilers, industrial machines, gas heaters, forklifts and even open fires.

In work environments, any of these sources can leak CO into the air, especially if appliances or equipment are poorly maintained or if ventilation is inadequate.

Since CO is colourless, odourless and tasteless, it can accumulate in spaces without workers noticing.

When inhaled, CO makes its way into the bloodstream, where it binds to haemoglobin – the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen. During this process, CO displaces any oxygen being carried by the haemoglobin. As a result, less oxygen is delivered to vital organs and tissues, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion and nausea.

Prolonged exposure or high concentrations of CO can cause severe organ damage, unconsciousness or even death.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for a significant number of hospital admissions and fatalities in the UK each year.

A recent analysis by the government found that about 4,000 people need emergency treatment every year due to CO exposure, with about 200 cases leading to hospitalisation. Furthermore, about 50 people in England and Wales die every year due to CO poisoning.

The severity of symptoms depends on the concentration of CO in the air and the duration of exposure. Early signs of poisoning can mimic flu symptoms and often include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

In more extreme cases, confusion, loss of consciousness and even death can occur, particularly in poorly ventilated areas or where CO levels are very high.

Here are the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Incomplete Combustion of Fuels: When fuels like gas, wood, oil or coal burn without enough oxygen, they produce carbon monoxide.
• Poor Ventilation: Blocked or poorly installed chimneys and vents can cause CO buildup indoors.
• Running Vehicles in Enclosed Spaces: Operating a vehicle in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, like a garage, can lead to dangerous CO levels.
• Faulty Appliances: Malfunctioning gas appliances, like furnaces or water heaters, can release carbon monoxide.
• Improper Use of Generators or Cooking Equipment: Using generators, grills or camp stoves indoors or in confined spaces can cause CO exposure.
• Gas Leaks and Unvented Appliances: Gas leaks or unvented appliances, like some space heaters, can let CO accumulate.
• Smoking and Fireplaces: Smoking or burning wood in a fireplace can release CO, especially if ventilation is poor.
• Industrial and Occupational Sources: Combustion engines in industrial equipment can emit CO in confined spaces, posing risks to workers.
• Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation, especially in winter, can cause CO buildup from fuel-burning appliances.

Here are some practical steps to help reduce the risk of exposure in workplaces:

Proper ventilation plays a vital role in preventing the accumulation of carbon monoxide in workplaces. In areas where fuel-burning equipment is used, it’s essential to ensure that sufficient fresh air is circulating to disperse CO before it can reach dangerous levels. Employers must:

• Install exhaust fans to direct CO outside and ensure air circulation.
• Ensure air filtration systems are in place to capture harmful gases.
• Regularly inspect vents and ducts to make sure they’re clear of obstructions.
• Provide outdoor air intakes to replenish oxygen and prevent CO buildup in closed spaces.

Regular maintenance and inspections of fuel-burning machinery help prevent CO poisoning in workplaces. Malfunctioning equipment can produce high levels of carbon monoxide, putting employees at risk. To prevent this, employers should:

• Conduct routine checks on machinery such as forklifts, compressors and heating systems to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Inspect and maintain ventilation systems to ensure they’re efficiently expelling CO from the workplace.
• Repair or replace faulty components like exhaust vents or seals that could allow CO to leak into work areas.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for regular equipment servicing to keep machinery in good condition.

Installing carbon monoxide detectors in the workplace is one of the most effective ways to prevent CO poisoning. These devices can detect CO before it reaches dangerous levels. Employers should:

• Install CO detectors in high-risk areas, such as rooms with fuel-burning machinery, garages or any confined spaces where CO could accumulate.
• Test and calibrate detectors regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Place alarms where they’re clearly audible and visible to alert workers to evacuate or take corrective action immediately if CO levels rise above safe thresholds.

Educating employees about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to respond if exposure occurs is critical to preventing poisoning. Workers should be trained so they:

• Recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea and confusion.
• Learn how to respond to a CO alarm by evacuating to a safe, ventilated area or seeking fresh air immediately.
• Properly use equipment to minimise the risk of CO production, especially in high-risk environments like confined spaces.

To minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, limit the use of fuel-burning equipment indoors whenever possible. If such equipment must be used indoors, it should be done with caution. Workplaces should:

• Substitute fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives to eliminate CO production.
• Position fuel-burning machines like generators or forklifts near open doors or windows to ensure proper ventilation.
• Enforce policies that restrict the use of certain equipment in confined spaces or ensure these spaces have adequate ventilation.

A well-prepared emergency response plan is essential for handling potential CO poisoning situations in the workplace. Workers should know what steps to take if CO levels rise or if poisoning symptoms occur. Employers must:

• Establish clear evacuation routes in case of CO detection or employee symptoms.
• Train workers in basic first aid, such as moving affected individuals to fresh air and administering CPR if needed.
• Make sure all employees are aware of how to reach emergency services quickly in case of severe CO poisoning.

In workplaces where high levels of CO are a known risk, such as in factories or construction sites with fuel-burning machinery, limiting employee exposure is crucial. Employers can:

• Rotate employees through different tasks or areas to minimise time spent in high-risk environments.
• Use barriers or create designated safe zones away from areas prone to CO exposure to keep workers out of harm’s way.
• Regularly monitor CO levels to ensure they stay below safe occupational exposure limits and take immediate action if levels exceed these thresholds.

Carbon monoxide risks are serious, but with the proper precautions and training, they can be managed.

Our Carbon Monoxide Awareness Training course is designed to provide both employees and employers with the knowledge needed to recognise, prevent and respond to CO exposure.

Take proactive steps to protect your employees from this silent killer this Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week by enrolling yourself and your staff in our training programme.