
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas. The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning start with headaches, dizziness and nausea. It’s easy to write these symptoms off as nothing more than a bad cold, especially since carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and invisible. But the consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning get much worse the more you breathe in, so when there’s a leak, you need to know immediately.
This guide explains what a carbon monoxide detector is and why you need one. It covers carbon monoxide risks and legal duties to prevent exposure at work. It also offers advice on placing your carbon monoxide detectors and what to do when a CO alarm sounds.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, odourless gas produced when carbon-based fuels don’t burn properly.
- A carbon monoxide detector is a device that monitors the air for CO gas and sounds an alarm when levels become dangerous.
- Employers have a legal duty to assess CO risks and prevent harm, which often involves using CO detectors.
- Workplace CO detectors are more sensitive and durable than home devices and should comply with BS EN 45544.
- Detectors must be installed near CO hazards and attuned to workplace exposure limits set by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide gas is produced when carbon-based fuels don’t burn properly. Carbon-based fuels include:
- Wood
- Coal
- Gas
- Petrol
- Diesel
- Kerosene
A vast number of heating appliances burn these fuels, as do vehicles and some power tools, so there are potential carbon monoxide hazards in effectively every workplace.
When these fuels burn normally, carbon dioxide is released. But without enough oxygen in the mix, carbon dioxide becomes carbon monoxide, which is both highly dangerous and barely noticeable.
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream. Here, it attaches to haemoglobin within red blood cells, which transport oxygen (O2) around the body. Haemoglobin that’s saturated with carbon monoxide can’t carry oxygen, leaving our cells, muscles and organs starved of essential O2.
Repeated, prolonged or high-level CO exposure is extremely hazardous.
Early symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
If you continue breathing in CO gas or are exposed to a more concentrated dose, the effects are much more severe. They include:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Vertigo
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
Once you’re unconscious, there’s a possibility of permanent brain damage without immediate treatment. Past this point, the most likely outcome is death. In the most recent year for which data is available, carbon monoxide poisoning killed 116 people in England and Wales.
What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
A carbon monoxide detector is a device that monitors the air for CO gas. It will sound an alarm when levels become dangerous.
While all carbon monoxide detectors broadly do the same thing, there are different devices for homes and workplaces.
What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector at Work?
Workplace carbon monoxide detectors are generally more hard-wearing and sensitive than their domestic counterparts.
They must be set to activate when the legal workplace exposure limit (WEL) for carbon monoxide is reached.
Why are Carbon Monoxide Detectors Needed?
CO gas is odourless, tasteless and invisible, making it impossible for us to detect. While there are sometimes physical signs of a leak, such as black marks around appliances or odd-coloured flames, these details are small and easy to miss.
Without a detector, you likely won’t realise you’ve been exposed to CO gas until you feel its effects. And even then, headaches, nausea and dizziness are pretty generic symptoms. Most people wouldn’t suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause unless they’re aware of its effects and the CO hazards around them.
What Does the Law Say?
No law states workplaces need carbon monoxide detectors. However, employers have a duty to prevent harm caused by CO gas under several pieces of legislation.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Employers have a legal responsibility to manage all work-related risks and protect their employees from harm. This duty of care comes from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA).
The HSWA is supported by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations make it necessary to conduct a workplace risk assessment and take reasonable steps to control the identified risks. Installing carbon monoxide detectors is an essential control measure if CO risks are present in your workplace.
There’s also legislation specific to toxic substances like carbon monoxide gas.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005 (COSHH) set a legal duty to prevent harm caused by carbon monoxide gas (and other hazardous substances).
Under COSHH, you must carry out a risk assessment specific to hazardous substances and implement the necessary control measures. COSHH also outlines the workplace exposure limits that your carbon monoxide detectors must be set to.
British Standard EN 45544
British Standard EN 45544 outlines performance, installation and maintenance requirements for electrical devices used to detect toxic gases.
Compliance with this standard isn’t compulsory as British Standards aren’t law, but following it is the best way to ensure your workplace carbon monoxide detectors are sufficient to protect workers.
Where Should You Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed close to the CO hazards identified by your risk assessment. But avoid placing them too close to windows, doorways or other sources of fresh air that could confuse readings.
You should also position detectors close to eye level. This placement makes it easier for people to check readings and inspect the device to verify it’s working properly.
What Should You Do if a Carbon Monoxide Detector Sounds an Alarm?
If a CO alarm sounds in your workplace, you should:
- Stay calm (a rapid heart rate will speed up the symptoms of CO poisoning)
- Stop work and switch off any fuel-burning equipment if possible.
- Open doors and windows to let in fresh air.
- Evacuate the building and get outdoors.
- Ensure anyone feeling the effects of CO poisoning receives professional treatment immediately.
As soon as everyone is safe or receiving treatment, report the incident to the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don’t re-enter the building until it’s been checked and cleared by the emergency services.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Training
CO detectors are vital, but their alarms are only effective if workers react to them. Without awareness, it’s easy to dismiss symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – and the urgency of an alarm. Workers must recognise the seriousness of exposure and be equipped to spot symptoms in themselves and others.
Our online Carbon Monoxide Awareness Training ensures your team understands CO risks and will respond quickly to alarms. The course also covers standard control measures to prevent CO exposure, describes what to do in an emergency and supports compliance with COSHH.
Start training today and give your workers the knowledge they need to stay safe.