Recommendations to reduce the risk of electrical and fire hazards and exposure to carbon monoxide while using generators.
Hazard Analysis — Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Problem:
Workers that prepare surfaces with hand tools may face hazards from carbon monoxide exposure.Risk Description:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can overcome workers without warning. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. CO results from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. In construction, it is common to find fuel-powered tools and heavy equipment that can lead to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in poorly ventilated or confined spaces.
Assessment Info:
Assessing general work conditions and environments can help quickly determine whether workers may be potentially exposed to CO in construction.
- When working in trenches, are there nearby heavy equipment in operation?
- Will workers be operating gasoline-powered engines in confined spaces or partially-enclosed areas?
- Will workers be operating welding equipment in confined spaces or partially-enclosed areas?
- Where generators or gasoline-powered engines are located outside, are they placed away from air intakes?