Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for the Workplace

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major health hazard in homes as well as workplaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 5,100 Americans died from carbon monoxide inhalation from 1999 to 2010, which translates to roughly 430 deaths per year. As an employer, however, there are ways to protect yourself and your employees from carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Abbreviated CO, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that's toxic to humans as well as animals. When inhaled, it restricts the person's lungs from receiving oxygen. As a result, the individual may experience symptoms associated with lack of oxygen, such as fatigue, fainting or even death in extreme cases.

Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A simple yet highly effective way to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your business's workplace is to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors work like smoke detectors -- except they trigger an audible alarm when carbon monoxide is detected rather than smoke. Don't just install carbon monoxide detectors in your workplace and forget about them. Instead, make a note to test them at least once a month to ensure they work as intended.

Don't Use Fuel-Burning Devices Indoors

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by avoiding the use of fuel-burning devices indoors and in other enclosed spaces. Why does this matter? Well, fire -- whether it's a from wood or gas -- releases carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Therefore, using fuel-burning devices indoors will lead to higher levels of carbon monoxide, which could cause illness in workers who inhale this toxic gas.

If you're going to use a fuel-burning device, make sure it's placed outdoors rather than indoors. The use of fuel-burning devices is one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thankfully, however, it's fully preventable if you take the necessary precautions by using fuel-burning devices outdoors instead of indoors.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation can also reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in workplaces. Without ventilation, carbon monoxide or other toxic gases may accumulate inside your business's workplace, potentially causing a dangerous buildup of this toxic gas.

Refer to the CDC's Prevention Guidelines

These are just a few ways to lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your business's workplace. For more ideas on how to protect yourself and your employees from this toxic gas, check out the CDC's prevention guidelines published here.