Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, tasteless, non-irritating, almost odourless gas produced by the incomplete burning of petroleum fuels. It is present in the exhaust gas of almost all engines.

Once in the lungs, carbon monoxide makes the oxygen carrying elements of the blood incapable of carrying oxygen to the body. Oxygen starvation affects the brain and heart.

How much is fatal depends on two factors:

1. The concentration of CO in the air.
2. The length of time you are exposed to it.

For example,one percent (1 part CO in 100 parts of air) may be fatal to some in a few breaths or minutes. One tenth of one percent (1 part CO in 1000 parts of air) may be fatal in 90 minutes.

Long exposure to low concentrations is still serious, because the effect of CO builds up over time. Hot humid weather makes it more dangerous. Children, and those with bronchitis, asthma, overweight, alcoholism, and chronic heart diseases are more susceptible than others.

What are the Symptoms?

First is tightness across the forehead. Next, or along with it, may be throbbing in the temples, headache, weariness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, loss of muscular control, and increased pulse and respiration. Loss of consciousness is next, and it can occur without any warning symptoms. CO can sometimes sooth you to drowsiness so you don’t even sense the danger.

How can you be safe?

A vehicle can be dangerous without being noisy. To be safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, have these danger zones checked periodically by a competent mechanic:

1. Loose exhaust pipe or manifold connections.
2. Blown out exhaust gasket
3. Cracked exhaust manifold
4. Leaky converter, muffler, resonator, or tubes and pipes
5. Bent or plugged tailpipe

10. When starting any engine in the shop you must connect an exhaust hose to a vehicle or turn on the exhaust fans and open the outside doors if you cannot get a small engine out of the shop