['Industrial Hygiene']
['Industrial Hygiene', 'Ventilation']
12/11/2023
...
CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. Forges, blast furnaces, and coke ovens produce CO, but the most common sources of exposure at construction jobsites is the internal combustion engine.
Scope
Employees exposed to carbon monoxide.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1926.55 — Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists.
Key definitions
- Permissible exposure limit (PEL): OSHA PEL is 50 ppm averaged during an 8-hour time period.
Summary of requirements
Employers must:
- If in an enclosed building, excavation, or other enclosed area, ensure the ventilation system will remove CO from work areas. For most excavations, natural ventilation may be sufficient.
- Maintain equipment and appliances that can produce CO in good working order to promote their safe operation and to reduce CO formation.
- Switch from gasoline to electric or pneumatic powered equipment, if possible.
- Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas.
- Provide personal CO monitors with audible alarms if potential exposure to CO exists.
- Test air regularly in areas where CO may be present, including confined spaces.
- Install CO monitors with audible alarms.
- Use a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or a combination full-facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply in areas with high CO concentrations, i.e., those immediately dangerous to life and health atmospheres.
- Use respirators with appropriate canisters for short periods under certain circumstances where CO levels are not exceedingly high.
- Educate workers about the sources and conditions that may result in CO poisoning as well as the symptoms and control of CO exposure.
- If employees are working in confined spaces where the presence of CO is suspected, ensure that workers test for oxygen sufficiency before entering.
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['Industrial Hygiene']
['Industrial Hygiene', 'Ventilation']
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