Carbon monoxide poisoning is a severe but hidden risk in many commercial buildings, specifically for the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) operating in small offices, workshops, salons, factories, kitchens and even warehouses. Compared to visible smoke or fire, carbon monoxide is a completely odourless and colourless gas, which makes it a silent hazard that affects your operations and staff before anyone notices.
In this blog, you will learn about CO poisoning, how it occurs within business settings and how you can prevent it with safety practices.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It's a toxic gas that can cause serious health issues, including death, when inhaled. CO is created when specific fuels, such as charcoal, coal, wood, petrol and gas, burn without sufficient oxygen.
Some of the main sources of CO in commercial buildings are heaters or gas stoves, fire caused by gas leaks or short circuits, vehicle engines, industrial machinery, boilers and furnaces, backup generators, welding and cutting equipment, blocked ventilation systems, etc.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of CO poisoning can be mild at first, and then they can quickly turn severe when you keep breathing the gas. Many of its early signs are similar to common conditions, such as food poisoning or the flu. It’s one of the primary reasons why many people ignore it.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Poor concentration or confusion
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting and nausea.
Severe symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Coma
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Death (during high-exposure situations)
When you or someone you know is showing all these signs near a machine, fire or indoors, and many people start to feel sick at the same time, CO might be the cause.
Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen due to the following conditions:
- Indoor cooking with wood or coal
Many small commercial Indian kitchens, specifically in rural regions, still use coal or wood-fired traditional stoves to cook. When there is no proper ventilation, it can release CO in massive amounts.
- Gas geysers in washrooms
Using gas water heaters in staff showers or commercial bathrooms that don’t have proper ventilation can lead to CO poisoning. The gas burns and then produces CO, which instantly builds up in closed or small areas.
- Inverters or generators
During power outages, diesel generators are still usually used indoors in many small offices or industries. Operating them without good airflow can lead to CO build-up.
- Vehicle exhausts in closed garages
Leaving the vehicle engine running within a closed area, such as a basement garage or warehouse garage, releases large amounts of CO and increases the risks for all the staff members.
- Gas leaks or fires
Fires taking place due to short circuits, burning waste products or gas cylinder leaks can produce CO. It can also damage the building and its contents. If you have fire insurance, you can get compensation for the damage.
- Forklifts and internal combustion equipment
Gasoline, diesel or propane-powered forklifts used indoors release CO. Without proper ventilation, this can quickly reach dangerous levels.
Health issues related to carbon monoxide poisoning
CO can affect the oxygen-carrying ability of your blood and cause health issues.
Short-term health effects:
- Muscle weakness
- Breathing difficulty
- Loss of mental focus
- Fatigue
Long-term health effects:
- Development delays in kids
- Personality changes
- Memory loss
- Brain damage
- Heart issues
- Death (In some cases)
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
CO safety can be ensured in the following ways:
- Ensure proper ventilation: Never use gas-based appliances, wood chulhas or coal stoves in closed kitchens of restaurants or hotels. Always open the windows or install a good exhaust fan.
- Install CO detectors: These are special devices that can alert you when the CO levels increase.
- Service gas appliances periodically: Get the LPG stove, generator and the gas geyser inspected by a specialist once or twice every year.
- Avoid indoor usage of generators: Use the generators in open spaces and not inside a warehouse, store or a room.
Conclusion
CO poisoning is a silent threat that can be pretty deadly if you don’t take it seriously. In India, many small businesses rely heavily on gas appliances or traditional fuels. This greatly increases the dangers of CO poisoning. This can lead to employee illness, absenteeism and death.
If the CO poisoning was caused due to a fire, you may also have to deal with losses arising from damage to the building and its contents. However, if you have property insurance, it covers the loss of items and structural damage. Good safety habits, along with the right policy, offer you protection and peace of mind.
FAQ
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Can CO come from an LPG cylinder?
Yes. When the gas burns improperly or it has a faulty burner, CO can be produced.
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How to know if there is CO in my workplace/shop?
Since the gas has no colour or smell, the only way you can detect it is by installing a CO detector.
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Is it possible to recover from CO poisoning?
In mild CO poisoning cases, individuals recover quickly after getting fresh air. However, in severe cases, you will need hospital care and might experience long-term health issues.
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What’s the difference between CO and CO2?
CO is poisonous, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) is not toxic in small amounts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.