Carbon Monoxide [also known as CO] is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide.
It is also a common hazard created by the incomplete burning of any carbon based fuel.
Carbon based fuels include: coal, petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas [LPG], natural gas and wood.
In the last seven years, there were five work related fatalities attributed to exposure of carbon
monoxide [source: the Health and Safety Authority].
Be aware that these fatalities occur in both the home and the workplace.
Workplace
By having a Register of Gas Installers Ireland [RGII] service engineer maintaining your gas installations, you can avoid headlines such as ‘Plumber charged over carbon monoxide death‘ and escape the possibility of being held criminally liable. That particular tragic case in the Trident Hotel in Kinsale which alleged negligence in gas boiler works, where Miriam Reidy was found dead in here hotel room, should act as a warning call to all employers.
Check for qualified engineers
All persons servicing gas boilers must be suitably qualified and registered with the RGII. Check qualified persons/companies on their website »
The signs
Carbon monoxide exposure may cause:
Poor concentration
Memory problems
Vision problems
Loss of muscle coordination
Headaches
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
The symptoms can intensify and kill within a matter of hours.
Legal responsibility
The employer must manage work activities relating to Carbon Monoxide under section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
Ensure the design, provision and maintenance of plant and machinery so that they are safe and without risk to health
Ensure safety and prevention of risk to health relating to any article or substance
Provide systems of work that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised, as appropriate, so as to be safe and without risk to safety and health
Provide training, instruction, information and supervision
Carry out a written risk assessment and implement the findings.
Home
For information about carbon monoxide awareness in the home, please see the very helpful carbonmonoxide.ie for helpful information.
If you would like some further information on any of the above, please give me a call or send me an email.
Michael Lynch
t +353 1 409 7606 | e mlynch@thermodial.ie