CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE WORKPLACE
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365-BSA-01-IMOT © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Controls at the Source
Engineering controls are the most effective method of reducing carbon monoxide exposure in the
workplace. They include:
Process selection/workplace design
gas handling systems
process venting
use of closed versus open system design
Equipment selection
Ensure that equipment selected for systems contain emissions as much as possible and provide venting
points capable of being connected to local exhaust ventilation systems. Performance specifications can
be proposed by the purchaser and submitted as part of the purchasing requirements. Ensure that the
specifications are met at the time of installation.
Modification of existing equipment or processes
Control of emissions into the workplace can be achieved by modifying or upgrading existing processes or
equipment. Any change should be examined carefully to ensure that other problems are not created by
this action.
The most effective way to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide is to eliminate it. Replacing gasoline or
propane-powered equipment by electrically powered forklifts, for example, can eliminate the source of
exposure in many facilities.
Less hazardous materials can be substituted in processes. The substitution of natural gas for synthetic
gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide is one way to reduce poisoning in the workplace.
The most common modification of existing processes is isolation. Sources can sometimes be enclosed or
separated from workers by barriers or walls.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most common engineering controls for airborne contamination. It is also one of
the most poorly understood. Some ventilation systems are designed to move fresh air in, around and out
of rooms. Other systems move air in order to provide a comfortably cooled or heated environment. Still
other systems move air to remove airborne contamination from the work environment.
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