Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1040159
20 PalletCentral • September-October 2018 palletcentral.com reaches 800 ppm, the risk of death heightens if exposure is prolonged. Extreme levels (e.g., 1200 ppm) will result in almost instant death. At least 10,000 workers a year suffer debilitating effects of CO poisoning on the job, according to the Communication Workers of America's fact sheet on the topic. Millions more workers may have lower-level, but long-term CO exposure, that can result in dangerous accumulation of CO in the blood. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning in the workplace, employers should install CO detectors as a minimum protection. Beyond that, effective ventilation systems and avoiding the use of fuel-burning equipment in enclosed work areas are essential precautionary measures. OSHA recommends that employers implement other measures to reduce the risk of CO poisoning in the workplace. These include: • Install effective ventilation systems that will remove CO from work areas; • Maintain equipment that can produce CO in good working order, to promote its safe operation and reduce CO formation; • Consider switching from gasoline-powered equipment to equipment powered by electricity, batteries or compressed air; • Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas; • Provide personal CO monitors with audible alarms if potential exposure to CO exists; • Test air regularly in areas where CO may be present, including confined spaces (which have separate regulatory requirements under 29 CFR 1910.146); and, • Use a full-face SCBA apparatus or full-face respirator in areas with CO concentrations that are classified as "immediately dangerous to live and health" (respiratory protection use is also SAFETY To reduce the risk of CO poisoning in the workplace, employers should install CO detectors as a minimum protection. Beyond that, effective ventilation systems and avoiding the use of fuel-burning equipment in enclosed work areas are essential precautionar y measures.