OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-012

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that kills without any warning to the victim.
CO is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels in petrol generators, diesel plant, gas heaters, and engines.
Using fuel-burning equipment in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces causes dangerous CO accumulation.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and drowsiness progressing to unconsciousness and death.
CO binds to haemoglobin 200 times more strongly than oxygen, starving organs of the oxygen they need.
Portable generators and petrol-powered tools are the most common source of CO on construction sites.
CO alarms and detectors provide early warning but must be positioned correctly and maintained regularly.
Multiple construction workers have died in the UK from CO produced by generators used inside buildings.
COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess and control CO exposure in all work activities.
Fresh air is the immediate treatment; anyone exposed to CO must be moved outside and given oxygen.

Silent killer	CO is undetectable by human senses. Workers lose consciousness and die without ever knowing they were being poisoned.
Common hazard	Portable generators and fuel-burning tools are used daily on construction sites, creating a constant CO exposure risk.
Rapid onset	CO poisoning causes confusion and drowsiness that prevent workers from recognising the danger and escaping in time.

Don't

Operate all generators and petrol tools outdoors in well-ventilated areas only.
Use CO detectors in any enclosed or semi-enclosed area where fuel-burning equipment operates.
Ensure adequate ventilation before and during use of any combustion equipment indoors.
Recognise the symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion indicate CO exposure.
Move anyone showing CO symptoms to fresh air immediately and call 999.
Position generator exhausts away from building openings, doors, and windows.
Maintain fuel-burning equipment to ensure efficient combustion and minimal CO output.
Test CO alarms regularly and replace batteries according to the manufacturer schedule.
Brief all workers on CO hazards, symptoms, and the location of CO detectors.
Use electric-powered alternatives to petrol and diesel tools wherever available.

DON'T run generators, engines, or petrol tools inside buildings or enclosed spaces.
DON'T ignore headaches, dizziness, or nausea when fuel-burning equipment is nearby.
DON'T position generator exhausts near windows, doors, or air intake points.
DON'T use fuel-burning heaters in site cabins without adequate permanent ventilation.
DON'T assume you will smell CO; it is completely odourless and undetectable.
DON'T re-enter an area where CO has been detected without confirming it is clear.
DON'T leave generators running unattended inside or near occupied spaces overnight.
DON'T block ventilation openings in spaces where combustion equipment is operating.
DON'T ignore CO detector alarms; evacuate immediately and investigate the source.
DON'T delay calling 999 for anyone showing CO poisoning symptoms.

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | Portable Generator Safety

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