Safety alert: preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace

After the tragic deaths at a care home in Swanage where carbon monoxide is thought to play a part, we wanted to remind you how to reduce the risk of this happening in your workplace.

 

Why is carbon monoxide hazardous?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, making it difficult for humans to detect without the help of special devices like CO detectors.

It’s produced when carbon-containing fuels (such as petrol, natural gas, oil, coal, wood, or propane) burn incompletely. This incomplete combustion often happens in poorly ventilated spaces, like garages, basements, or rooms where appliances or exhaust systems aren’t properly maintained.

Carbon monoxide is hazardous because of its ability to block oxygen from being delivered to the body, resulting in serious and sometimes fatal health effects.

 

Effects on the body

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can range from mild to severe, depending on the concentration of CO and how long someone has been exposed.

They include:

• Mild exposure: Headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
• Moderate exposure: Increased confusion, shortness of breath, and vision problems.
• Severe exposure: Unconsciousness, brain damage, heart arrhythmias, and death.

 

Steps you should take

It’s vital to appoint competent persons to help you service and maintain the efficiency of your gas and oil burning appliances. We also recommend you take the following steps:

1. Service gas and oil appliances: Gas and oil-burning appliances need to be serviced regularly by qualified contractors. Make sure your service provider is Gas Safe registered for gas appliances and OFTEC registered for oil appliances. This ensures the work is carried out to the highest safety standards.

2. Avoid the use of certain devices indoors: Portable gas generators, charcoal grills, or other devices designed for outdoor use shouldn’t be used inside. Devices designed for indoor use should be operated according to their manufacturer’s usage instructions.

3. Install CO monitors: Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed in key areas of the workplace. Test these monitors regularly to confirm they are functioning properly.

 

To help, you can download our service interval workplace guide and CO monitoring sheet, and log into Atlas to find our CO risk assessment template.