Ohio Water Environment Association | Volume 85:1 | Issue 1 2012 ...

C-O Could Spell
D-E-A-T-H
What if you knew a killer was stalking your home or facility A
silent, deadly killer that could steal away your family or employee’s
lives without any warning. Wouldn’t you do something about it
A worker using a powered saw to cut a hole in a storm drain box
was overexposed to carbon monoxide from the saw and had to be
taken to a hospital for treatment. This could have been prevented
with proper training and monitoring.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause
sudden illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as
those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves,
lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges, and heating
systems. CO gas can build up in enclosed spaces such as garages,
sheds, or porches.
Carbon monoxide interferes with the proper delivery of oxygen
in the blood to the rest of the body. When you inhale high
concentrations of this deadly gas, it can displace the oxygen in
your bloodstream. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning
are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain,
and confusion. At high levels, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. Since symptoms mimic other illnesses, it can be difficult
to diagnose. People who are sleeping can die from CO poisoning
before ever experiencing symptoms. Approximately 1,000 people
die each year as a result of CO poisoning.
Safety Article
There are a few simple precautions that can be taken to prevent
CO poisoning:
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Make sure all combustion appliances are installed according
to the manufacturer’s specifications and are properly
maintained.
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Have your heating system, water heater, and any other
gas, oil, or coal-burning appliance serviced by a qualified
technician every year.
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Keep flues open when fireplaces are in use. Never use an
unvented stove or fireplace.
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Do not heat your home with a gas range or oven.
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Generators, charcoal grills, and camp stoves should not be
used inside your home or building.
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Never run a car or truck inside an attached garage, even if
you leave the garage door open.
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Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home. Check
and replace the battery each spring and fall.
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Test your detector regularly. Plan what your family will do
if the detector sounds. If the alarm ever sounds, leave your
home and then call 911.
Remember, CO can be deadly! If your detector sounds get fresh
air immediately. Open the doors or windows. If you can, turn off
the combustion device and get outside. Most fire departments have
meters to test for CO and can set up ventilation systems. Seek
medical care and be sure to tell the physician that you suspect
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ed Nutter
Safety Committee Chair
enutter@newarkohio.net
In Ohio, there were 139 unintentional, non-fire related deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning between 1999 and 2004. Ohio had the fourthhighest
number of deaths in the country, accounting for 5.3 percent of the carbon monoxide deaths occurring in the U.S. (www.odh.ohio.gov)
Additional information available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/co/
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/carbonmonoxide/recognition.html
Apply for the OWEA Safety Award
Visit http://www.ohiowea.org/safety.php for details and the 2011 Awards application.
Applications are due February 17, 2012.
Chair, Ed Nutter, City of Newark: 740.670.7950, enutter@newarkohio.net
www.ohiowea.org 53