Doc #: 1000-AD-015-0021 Revision: - PREVENTION OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING POLICY Author(s): Tammie Lavoie, Miranda Saucedo
TABLE OF CONTENTS REVISION HISTORY... 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 4 2.0 POLICY DESCRIPTION... 4 3.0 DEFINITIONS... 4 4.0 CONTROL OF HAZARDS... 4 5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES... 5 6.0 STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU SUSPECT CO EXPOSURE... 6 7.0 REFERENCES... 6 1000-AD-015-0021.Docx Page 2 of 6
REVISION HISTORY Rev Date Approved Sections Affected Reason for Change Remarks and/or Change Details Name -- 10/30/17 Initial Release T.Lavoie Approved by: Name, Facilities Manager Name, Supervisor Tammie Lavoie 31 October 2017 Tammie Lavoie, Safety Manager Date 1000-AD-015-0021.Docx Page 3 of 6
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and 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. 1.2 CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. One of the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure in the workplace is the internal combustion engine. 2.0 POLICY DESCRIPTION This policy is to make employees, visitors and contractors aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and how everyone can help prevent this from happening in the workplace and at home. Every year, workers die from carbon monoxide poisoning, usually while using fuel-burning equipment and tools in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. This can be especially true during the winter months when employees use this type of equipment in indoor spaces that have been sealed tightly to block out cold temperatures and wind. Because many of these sources are only used in cold weather, carbon monoxide poisoning is considered by many to be a "seasonal" risk. However, carbon monoxide gas can build up in any enclosed or semi-enclosed space at any time. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include, but are not limited to, headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness to nausea, vomiting or tightness across the chest. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause neurological damage, coma and death. Sources of carbon monoxide can include anything that uses combustion to operate, such as gas generators, power tools, compressors, pumps, welding equipment, space heaters and furnaces. 3.0 DEFINITIONS CO Carbon Monoxide 4.0 CONTROL OF HAZARDS Administrative Controls: 4.1 Provide personal CO monitors with audible alarms if potential exposure to CO exists. 4.2 Test air regularly in areas where CO may be present, including confined spaces. 1000-AD-015-0021.Docx Page 4 of 6
Engineering Controls: 4.3 If deemed necessary, install CO monitors with audible alarms. PPE 4.4 Use respirators where known CO levels are not exceedingly high. Substitution/Elimination 4.5 Consider switching from gasoline powered equipment to equipment powered by electricity, batteries or compressed air if it can be used safely. 5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Supervisors can help prevent CO poisoning in the workplace: 5.1.1 Install or make available some type of ventilation system that will remove or move the CO from the work area. 5.1.2 Maintain equipment and appliances that, could produce CO, in good working order to promote their safe operation and to reduce CO formation. 5.1.4 Educate workers about the sources and conditions that may result in CO poisoning as well as the symptoms and control of CO exposure. 5.1.5 In addition, if your employees are working in confined spaces where the presence of CO is suspected, you must ensure that workers test for oxygen sufficiency before entering. 5.2 Employees/Contractors can help prevent CO poisoning in the workplace by the following: 5.2.1 Report to your Supervisor any situation that might cause CO to accumulate. 5.2.2 Be alert to ventilation problems, especially in enclosed areas where gases of burning fuels may be released. 5.2.3 Immediately report complaints of dizziness, drowsiness or nausea. 5.2.4 Avoid overexertion if you suspect CO poisoning and leave the contaminated area. 5.2.5 Should you go to the doctor, make sure to let them know that you may have been exposed to CO if you get sick. 5.2.6 Avoid the use of gas-powered engines, such as those in powered washers, heaters, forklifts and when working in enclosed spaces. 1000-AD-015-0021.Docx Page 5 of 6
6.0 STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU SUSPECT CO EXPOSURE 6.1 When you suspect CO poisoning, promptly taking the following actions can save lives: 6.1.1 Move the victim immediately to fresh air in an open area. 6.1.2 If on Kitt Peak, Call for EMT/Wilderness Responder assistance 8777/8721 radios patch or channel 1 on the radio. Or call 911 or another local emergency number for medical attention or assistance. 6.1.3 Administer 100-percent oxygen using a tight-fitting mask if the victim is breathing. 6.1.4 Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the victim has stopped breathing. Warning: You may be exposed to fatal levels of CO poisoning in a rescue attempt. Rescuers should be skilled at performing recovery operations and using recovery equipment. Employers should make sure that rescuers are not exposed to dangerous CO levels when performing rescue operations. 7.0 REFERENCES OSHA 29CFR1917.24 OSHA Fact Sheet Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 1000-AD-015-0021.Docx Page 6 of 6