Carbon monoxide

A general fact sheet to help businesses (PCBU) manage the risks of Carbon monoxide in the workplace.

Carbon Monoxide is an odourless gas produced as a result of incomplete combustion processes. Carbon Monoxide is released as a result of vehicle and plant emissions (including forklifts and generators), gas appliances (such as stoves, space heaters, water heaters, furnaces and LPG operated floor polishers and cleaners) and the burning of charcoal, plastic and wood.

The dominant source of Carbon Monoxide in the workplace is through incomplete combustion processes including combustion of fossil fuels.

Some of the industry sectors most at risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide include:

  • cooks and bakers
  • blast furnace and boiler room workers
  • diesel engine operators
  • garage mechanics
  • brewery workers
  • pulp and paper workers
  • fire fighters
  • glass manufacturers and
  • coal miners.

Any work conducted in enclosed or restricted spaces poses a higher risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide as the chemical will accumulate in the area. Work in such spaces as trenches, garages and plant rooms should only be conducted after assessing the risk of Carbon Monoxide exposure. Use of plant powered by combustion engines should be minimised in such restricted areas where ventilation is not adequate.

Read our Carbon monoxide Technical Sheet.

Harms

Reduced oxygen in blood stream

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide is through inhalation. Carbon Monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood stream resulting in less oxygen reaching tissues including the heart and brain.

Harms from short term exposure

Short term (acute) exposures to Carbon Monoxide can result in:

  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • muscular weakness
  • impaired judgement
  • unconsciousness

While removing a worker from the Carbon Monoxide contaminated atmosphere usually results in complete recovery, the severity of symptoms and outcomes in largely dependent on the overall health of the worker.

Delayed effects

Delayed neurological effects may also be observed days to months after exposure, characterised by personality and behavioural changes, dementia, depression and muscular shakes.

Death

Short term exposure to high levels of Carbon Monoxide can result in death due to a lack of oxygen reaching vital organs (including brain and heart).

Harms from long term exposure

Long term (chronic) exposure to Carbon Monoxide may cause:

  • headaches
  • irritability
  • insomnia
  • foetal changes in pregnant workers (including miscarriage)
  • personality disturbances
  • decreased exercise tolerance
  • impaired judgement (including when driving)

Control measures

SafeWork NSW recommends you follow a hierarchy of controls (PDF 30kb) to eliminate or minimise a hazard.

  • Eliminate Carbon Monoxide producing plant where practicable.
  • Ensure adequate engineering controls including adequate ventilation and/or isolation of the Carbon Monoxide source from the worker are implemented.

Install or use gas detectors

Install gas detectors on plant, in work areas, or as personal alarmed monitors, where Carbon Monoxide exposure may be a risk.

Ensure adequate ventilation

Adequate ventilation is required when using plant and equipment emitting Carbon Monoxide such as petrol-powered pumps.

Regularly maintain plant

The regular maintenance of Carbon Monoxide-producing plant and appropriate controls for the emission, use, handling and storage of Carbon Monoxide gas will reduce the risk of hazardous exposures and illness in the workplace.

Follow manufacturers specifications as to the maintenance and use of plant.

Use supplied air respirators

Where required, use well maintained and appropriate supplied air respirators (SCBA).

Instruct and train workers in the correct fitting, use and maintenance of SCBA.

Follow instructions and controls

Ensure that instructions and controls outlined in:

  • Safety Data Sheets
  • manufacturers specifications
  • product labels and
  • any instructions provided by supervisors and managers are followed.

More information

Poisons Information Centre

In the event of suspected exposure, call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.

Benzene technical sheet

Read our Carbon monoxide Technical Sheet for more information or call us on 13 10 50.

Safe disposal

For information on safe disposal refer to information labels, Safety Data Sheets and the  NSW Environmental Protection Authority.

Back to top