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December, 2001 — Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the "silent killer," is produced during the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances such as propane, gasoline, or natural gas. It is colorless, odorless and deadly. Principal areas of exposure include anywhere flame-producing devices or equipment or internal combustion engines operate. Be especially mindful of furnace maintenance and the placement of heaters, gas-driven welding machines and forklifts. Assuming you cannot substitute non-carbon monoxide producing equipment, the best protection is simply adequate ventilation. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include dizziness, nausea, fatigue or headaches. Severe exposure can result in disorientation, convulsions and even death. How quickly symptoms appear depend upon the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the duration of exposure. A person's age, size and general health are also determinant factors. OSHA has established the permissible exposure limit for carbon monoxide at 50 parts-per-million (50 ppm) as a cumulative exposure for an 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour work week. If you have not installed carbon monoxide detectors in areas of possible exposure, it is recommended that you do so immediately. Follow the detector manufacturer's instructions for placement, operation and maintenance.
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