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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A number of incidents affecting workers in retail environments have once again shifted the focus to carbon monoxide poisoning from propane-powered floor burnishers.

Odourless, colourless carbon monoxide builds up in poorly ventilated areas and propane-powered floor burnishers, used to polish vinyl and terrazzo floors in stores and offices, can be a major source. These burnishers can emit carbon monoxide levels well in excess of 20,000 parts per million (ppm). Exposure to this toxic gas at very high concentrations (more than 4,000 ppm) can result in coma or death.

The Ministry of Labour suggests replacing propane-powered burnishers with electric or battery-powered models.

If propane-powered burnishers are used:

• The burnishers must be operated in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and only in well-ventilated areas
• Burnishers should be regularly maintained by a competent person. Engine tuning and measuring carbon monoxide in exhaust gases shall be included in routine maintenance. Adjustments to the fuel system or carburetion of a propane engine should be done by a competent person, according to manufacturer's instructions
• Continuous carbon monoxide monitors should be used in the area where the burnishing is being performed. The monitors should be equipped with audible and visual alarms and the alarms should be set to activate at carbon monoxide levels below the current occupational exposure limit
• Ensure workers are trained in reading the device and know what to do when alarms are activated

The warning signs of carbon monoxide exposure - headache, fainting, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeat - should never be ignored when working where fuel-burning equipment is being, or has been used.

The Occupational Exposure Limits for carbon monoxide are:

• TWAEV (Time Weighted Average Exposure Value): 25 ppm. The TWAEV is based on an eight-hour workday, or forty-hour workweek
• STEV (Short Term Exposure Value) of 100 ppm. The STEV is based on any fifteen-minute period.

Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

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