Standard Guide for Field Investigation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents

Importancia y uso:

3.1 This guide is intended for use by individuals who investigate incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning. If this guide is followed, the cause for the carbon monoxide poisoning incident may be determined, and corrective action may be identified to prevent future incidents.

3.2 When attempting to identify the source of carbon monoxide, consider that it is produced at some level in virtually every fuel-burning engine, boiler, furnace, burner, stove or fire. All carbon-based fuels (for example, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, paper products, plastics) produce carbon monoxide as a result of incomplete combustion. When there is insufficient air for complete combustion, carbon monoxide can become a major product of combustion. In properly-operating fuel-fired combustion appliances (for example, residential furnaces and water heaters), the level of carbon monoxide produced may be as little as a hundred parts per million or less (that is, 0.01 %). In those same appliances, malfunctions can potentially result in significantly higher carbon monoxide concentrations (10 000 ppm to 100 000 ppm, or higher). Properly-operating internal combustion engines may also generate carbon monoxide concentrations on the order of 10 000 ppm or higher.

3.3 Be aware of the effects of carbon monoxide on humans and pets. Carbon monoxide acts as a central nervous system depressant. With increasing dosage (combination of concentration and time of exposure) symptoms may include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, and may lead to death. Carbon monoxide is especially hazardous because it is colorless and odorless, providing no warning of its presence. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood, creating carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is approximately 200 times greater than the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin. Therefore, the blood can accumulate dangerous levels of COHb, depriving the body of oxygen.

3.4 Since there is the potential for investigators to become victims of elevated carbon monoxide levels themselves, extreme care should be taken to assure the safety of investigators and anyone else at risk of continuing carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide monitoring and measurement equipment is required to ensure life safety of those present, as well as to determine the cause of the problem and its solution.

FIG. 1 Common Locations of Carbon Monoxide Build-Up

Subcomité:

E58.05

Referida por:

E2713-18

Volúmen:

14.02

Número ICS:

13.300 (Protection against dangerous goods)

Palabras clave:

carbon monoxide; CO; combustion; monoxide; poisoning;