So, what's all the fuss over carbon
monoxide? I've just opened the door for years without a
problem?
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Carbon Monoxide poisoning is determined by
three factors -- concentration of the gas, ventilation and
time. The severity of problems do not always correlate with
the measured level of the toxic gas in the blood. Treatment
requires clearing carbon monoxide from the system.
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Carbon Monoxide has a cumulative effect and
exposure may be a combination of sources. In addition to
exhaust gas from vehicles, leaking furnaces and stoves,
heaters, fireplaces and charcoal burners. Some products
containing methylene chloride is another source. The chemical
can be absorbed by the body and transformed into carbon
monoxide.
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Delayed effects appear in from 4 to 12
percent of people several weeks after exposure to mild or
moderate levels of carbon monoxide. The aftereffects include
difficulty concentrating, unsteady gait, tremors and mental
impairment.
- Exposure can produce bizarre behavior
- Prolonged exposure to low concentrations
can be just as dangerous as short exposure to high
concentrations.
- Approximately 10,000 Americans see a
doctor or lose work time due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
About 3,800 deaths occur yearly, 1,500 accidental and the
remainder suicides.
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| Current OSHA rulings allow an acceptable
time weighted average (TWA) for an eight hour work shift of 35
parts per million (ppm), with a workday ceiling level of 200
ppm. First time fines are as high as $5,000 and willful
violations as high as $50,000 OSHA
safety guidelines for exhaust removal in automotive sevice
centers include:
- Provide exhaust hoses for each service
bay and stock replacement hoses for immediate replacement of
damaged hoses
- Instruct all employees to alsways use
proper exhaust hoses on all running vehicles and engines,
even in warm weather when garage doors are open.
- Check the operation of the exhaust
removal system daily, and periodically ensure that the
system is in compliance with OSHA regulations.
More OSHA information may be learned from 54
Federal Register, 232(1989), 20CFR Part 1910
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The Uniform Building Code specifies in
1202.2.4 Group H,Division 4 Occupancies (Vehicle Repair
Facilities), "Each engine repair stall shall be equipped with
an exhaust pipe . . . shall mechanically exhaust 300 cubic
feet per minute"
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| Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. |
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