Despite the fact that carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly hazard, it doesn’t have to be a killer. Your workers can prevent exposures if they’re properly trained.
When poisoning is the hazard, prevention is the only way to go. Swift and competent first aid could save the life of a worker overcome by carbon monoxide (CO), but you can’t count on it. You can, however, count on well-trained workers to be alert and cautious and take proper preventive measures.
Train employees to prevent CO poisoning on the job by:
- Reporting any situation to a supervisor that might cause carbon monoxide to accumulate.
- Being alert to ventilation problems—especially in enclosed areas where gases of burning fuels may be released. For example, workers should make sure drivers shut off engines at loading docks. They should also avoid the use of gas- or propane-powered engines, such as those in forklifts, while working in enclosed spaces.
- Reporting symptoms promptly and getting immediate medical attention.
- Leaving an area immediately if they suspect carbon monoxide is present or are experiencing symptoms.
- Making sure that co-workers are alerted to the danger and evacuate safety.
From emergency action to infection control, the Easy Workplace Safety Program has detailed plans for 20 specific safety procedures. Find out more.
Train workers to prevent CO poisoning at home by:
- Making sure to keep all fuel-burning equipment and appliances well maintained and operating properly. Especially important is having furnaces serviced on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer and their fuel supplier. Leaks in home furnaces are a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Venting all fuel-burning equipment and appliances outside, inspecting vents and chimneys to make sure they are not blocked, and checking to make sure that exhaust fans are working properly so that they vent out and don’t allow fumes back inside.
- Being especially careful in recently constructed energy-efficient homes, which may have minimum ventilation when all windows and doors are closed.
- Not running gas-powered vehicles in enclosed areas (for example warming up a car in closed garage).
- Maintaining vehicles properly, inspecting regularly for exhaust and pipe leaks and body rot, which could allow carbon monoxide into the vehicle.
- Never using a gas or charcoal grill indoors or in an enclosed space such as a garage.
- Never using a gas-powered generator indoors.
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors to alert the family to dangerous levels of CO in the home.
Developing a formal, written safety plan doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Easy Workplace Safety Program makes it easy as 1, 2, 3! Get the details.
Instant Safety Programs Just for You
Developing your written safety programs is as easy as 1, 2, 3 with BLR’s Easy Workplace Safety Program. This exceptional product makes it easy to develop customized written safety plans that meet your organization’s particular needs for workplace safety and OSHA compliance, whether these involve chemical hazards like carbon monoxide or other safety or health issues.
All you need to do is insert the CD, add your specific company information, and your safety program is essentially complete. This carefully developed tool comes complete with a step-by-step manual and has detailed plans for 20 safety procedures, including:
- Hearing conservation
- Emergency action plan
- Hazard communication
- Lockout/tagout
- PPE
- Material handling and storage
- Forklift operations
- Confined spaces
- Electrical safety
- Ergonomics
- Fire prevention
… and many more essential safety procedures. You also get special forms, such as the OSHA 300, 301, and 300A forms, state-specific workplace safety, loss prevention program, and safety committee requirements are also provided.
Everything you need to implement an award-winning safety program is right at your fingertips in one package, including complete instructions on how to use this exciting safety management product.
Find out more about how BLR’s Easy Workplace Safety Program can help you manage safety in your workplace.