15 Preventive Measures Against Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, many workers in the plant site do not realize its existence in the workplace. Thus, preventive measures hold fundamental safety function in order to reduce carbon monoxide generation, avoid concentration buildup, alert workers about its existence and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

You may have established some preventive measures against CO. But the list below may give you another idea for completing hazard controls against CO.

Here are 15 preventive measures against carbon monoxide hazards in chemical plant. These measures can be applied by workers and employers.

1. Identify which equipments, tools and appliances produce carbon monoxide.
2. Prohibit the usage of petrol or diesel powered engines and tools in the poorly ventilated areas, inside buildings/rooms, partially enclosed area and confined spaces.
3. Install effective ventilation system that will remove carbon monoxide from building, rooms or enclosed areas.
4. Make effective maintenance programs for equipments, tools and appliances that generate carbon monoxide.
5. Ensure that ventilation system is always in good performance.
6. Make a plan to replace petrol or diesel powered equipments and tools with powered by electricity, compressed air, batteries or other safe power source.
7. Put CO hazards warning label on equipments, tools and appliances. Make sure that they can be seen easily.
8. Promote safety signs, safety slogans or safety posters, which warn workers about carbon monoxide hazards.
9. Ensure that workers have received CO MSDS training.
10. Install carbon monoxide detectors with audible alarms at the proper area.
11. Design flue gas or off gas venting direction away from entering into buildings or enclosed area.
12. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for workers.
13. Include CO concentration measurement result in work permit and confined space permit.
14. Check regularly CO level inside closed area, where equipments and tools that generate CO are operated.
15. Report immediately any complaints of dizziness, drowsiness or nausea to the authorized personnel

By: Lukman LS

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