Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating gas that can suffocate an exposed worker without warning. Carbon monoxide is toxic to the human body because the body’s red blood cells will absorb CO in preference to oxygen.Low-level exposures can result in headaches, dizziness and nausea and may often be mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or food poisoning. High-concentration exposures can result in serious central nervous system impairment, coma and death.Carbon monoxide is commonly produced by the incomplete combustion of organic products such as wood, oil, gasoline or propane. Workplace exposures to CO can come from the following equipment: gasoline- and propane-powered equipment and vehicles, fuel-fired heating systems, including overhead direct-fired units, natural gas appliances and fireplaces and welding equipment.LegislationPart 36 – Chemical and Biological Substances of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation lays out necessary steps for ensuring CO does not exceed parts per million (ppm) thresholds in workplaces that generate the gas.Before working in areas where there is a potential for CO or other toxic gas exposure to the worker and others, a risk assessment must be conducted, and a safe work procedure must be developed by the employer and worker.Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba. Below is the link to the regulation associated with this safety topic.Part 36 Chemical and Biological Substances Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and RegulationRelated linksHazards and exposures topic list
