Safety Tidbit 4.16 - The gift that could save a life

Safety Tidbit 4.16 – The gift that could save a life

Reference: National Safety Council – Carbon Monoxide

It’s December in PA and the wood stoves and fireplaces are lit, and homes are being heated with natural gas or propane. I’ve been in a few small companies that use kerosene are propane torpedo heaters to heat the workspace. If any of these heat sources are not working or vented properly a buildup of carbon monoxide can occur. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Its density is about the same as oxygen so it can distribute evenly throughout the space. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says about 170 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide produced by non-automotive consumer products, such as room heaters.

Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever and may include:

·      Common Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like symptoms.

·      Common Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.

·      Common Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage, heart and lung failure followed by death.

Steps to take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

·      Properly equip your home with carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in sleeping areas. The only safe way to detect CO in your home is with a CO alarm.

·      Every year have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected by a qualified technician.

·      Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust and stains.

·      Install and operate appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.

·      Only purchase appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

·      Never use a gas range/stove to heat the home.

·      Never leave your car idling in a closed garage or use fuel-powered appliances or tools in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches. Carbon monoxide can seep into your home through vents and doors

How about this year giving a carbon monoxide monitor to that friend that uses a fireplace to heat. You may just be giving them a gift that saves their life.

Hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.