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\nMany people using gasoline-powered tools such as high-pressure washers, concrete cutting saws (walk-behind/hand-held), power trowels, floor buffers, welders, pumps, compressors, and generators in buildings or semi enclosed spaces have been poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO). CO can rapidly accumulate (even in areas that appear to be well ventilated) and build up to dangerous or fatal concentrations within minutes. Examples of such poisonings include the following:
\nThese examples show a range of effects caused by CO poisoning in a variety of work settings with exposures that occurred over different time periods and with different types of ventilation. Workers in areas with closed doors and windows were incapacitated within minutes. Opening doors and windows or operating fans does NOT guarantee safety. CO is a dangerous poison. Operating gasoline-powered engines and tools indoors is RISKY BUSINESS.
\nIt is not widely known that small gasoline-powered engines and tools present a serious health hazard. They produce high concentrations of CO\u2013a poisonous gas that can cause illness, permanent neurological damage, and death. Because it is colorless, odorless, and nonirritating, CO can overcome exposed persons without warning. Often there is little time before they experience symptoms that inhibit their ability to seek safety. Prior use of equipment without incident has sometimes given users a false sense of safety; such users have been poisoned on subsequent occasions. Recommendations for preventing CO poisoning are provided below for employers, equipment users, tool rental agencies, and tool manufacturers.
\nAll Employers and Equipment Users Should:
\nEmployers Should Also:
\nEquipment Users Should Also:
\nTool Rental Agencies Should:
\nTool Manufacturers Should:
\nALERT: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline-Powered Engines and Tools
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-118 (1996)
Describes health effects and current standards and guidelines relating to carbon monoxide, as well as recommendations for workers, employers, and manufacturers regarding small gasoline powered engine safety.
A Boat Maintenance Crew Supervisor Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Using a Gasoline-Powered Pressure Washer, WashingtonWashington FACE 18WA052044
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) containing a case history, investigation report and recommendations.
Carbon Monoxide Kills Three Volunteer Firefighters Inside Well in Pennsylvania
FACE 9030
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) containing a case history, investigation report and recommendations.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Toolbox Talk
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-130
CPWR developed the Construction Toolbox Talks series to raise awareness of workplace hazards and how to prevent injuries and illnesses. This series is free and accessible online.
Hazard Alert: Carbon monoxide poisoning \u2013 gas-powered generators tools and other equipment (English and Spanish)A one-page alert that describes the hazards of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
\nNIOSH Update \u2013 NIOSH Warns of Deadly Carbon Monoxide Hazard from Using Pressure Washers Indoors
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-117 (1993)
Describes the hazards of even small amounts of carbon monoxide poisoning that commonly occur from the use of gasoline powered pressure washers in enclosed spaces.
Two Carpenters Died Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Secondary To Running A Gas Powered Engine In A Confined Space (Basement Of A Home)
Wisconsin FACE 92WI119
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) containing a case history, investigation report and recommendations.
Through the NIOSH Worker Notification Program, NIOSH notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of past research studies related to a wide variety of exposures. The links below present archival materials sent to participants in studies related to toll collectors.
\n \nThis Topic page is based on the Alert, \u201cPreventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline-Powered Engines and Tools\u201c, Publication No. 96-118a.
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