About this Guide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a leading cause of chemical poisoning in both the workplace and the home.
The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about carbon monoxide, its hazards, detection
and control. It will help you determine:
if a problem with carbon monoxide exists in your workplace
the extent of the problem
options for control
What do you know about carbon monoxide?
To find out, we suggest you try to answer the following questions before reading further. They were
prepared to assist you in understanding the important points of carbon monoxide. The answers are
found in the guide.
1. What is carbon monoxide?
2. How does carbon monoxide affect the body?
3. What is the workplace standard for carbon monoxide?
4. What are some sources of carbon monoxide in the workplace?
5. How does the build-up of carbon monoxide occur indoors?
6. How can carbon monoxide be measured?
7. How can exposure to carbon monoxide be controlled?
Properties of Carbon Monoxide
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is the product formed by the incomplete combustion of materials containing carbon. The
molecular formula is CO. Carbon monoxide is usually present in the workplace as a gas. It can, however, be
liquefied and solidified. Carbon monoxide is produced in large amounts by several industrial processes.
CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE WORKPLACE
WSPS.CA
