Carbon Monoxide as a Chemical Hazard in the Workplace - Coursework Example

Carbon Monoxide as a Chemical Hazard There are a number of workplaces where chemicals of different nature are being used for the preparation of different products. Different chemicals have the potential to harm people. Chemicals can be in solid, liquid or gaseous state that can cause physical and health hazards for those involved in the production, storage, handling and disposal of the materials. By products are equally dangerous depending on the type and concentration of the chemical involved. Although the workers are informed about the dangers related to different chemicals, still accidents do take place. This is because people are generally either not aware of the dangers of different chemicals or are simply careless to read about them. Ignorance can cause fatalities which can be prevented if necessary precautions are taken. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one such chemical that can lead a person to his death. My interest in this chemical grew at the time when I read about it in the local newspaper. Eight workers and four firemen at the Eglinton station were given medical aid due to exposure to Carbon monoxide. This was the first time I became aware of the danger of exposure to this chemical. The TTC Union expressed their concern about the long term health effects of carbon monoxide on the exposed workers. In this paper I will discuss carbon monoxide as a serious health hazard for those involved in such industries where it is being used as a raw product. I will also include necessary precautions and steps following which can minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Defining Carbon Monoxide: The Praxair Safety data sheet on Carbon monoxide (2004) gives us detailed information about the chemical. According to which Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and is formed when carbon in the fuel is not properly burned. It has been termed as an inorganic compound. Carbon monoxide is toxic and cannot be seen due to which it can lead a person to his death. It is for this reason it has been termed as a silent killer. On burning it produces a violet flame. It is soluble in alcohol and benzene and is slightly soluble in water. The boiling point of Carbon monoxide has been noted at – 190°C and the solidification point at -207° C. In liquid form the auto ignition temperature of carbon monoxide is 1128° F and the specific gravity and the specific volume are 0.96716 and 13.8 cu ft/lb respectively. It does have an odor once it is mixed with some other gases. Sources of Carbon Monoxide: As mentioned by the OSHA fact sheet on “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning” (2002) the chemical can be dangerous at home and at workplaces. It is produced by the improper burning of the natural gas and all other materials that contain carbon such as oil, gasoline, wood, propane and coal etc. At workplace the greatest source of carbon monoxide includes forges, furnaces and coke ovens etc. However the greatest risk comes from exposure to the internal combustion engine. Other sources of Carbon Monoxide mentioned by Industrial Accident Prevention Association (2006) include poorly ventilated kerosene and gas heaters, gas water heaters, wooden stoves and hearths, leaking furnaces and chimneys, gas stoves, generators, equipments powered by gasoline, smoke from tobacco and automobile exhaust from attached garages. Indoor poor ventilation for kerosene heaters can be a high source of carbon monoxide. Poorly maintained or worn out boilers and furnaces are also a big source of carbon monoxide. Automobile exhaust such as that of trucks and buses from an attached garage or a nearby place is another dangerous source of carbon monoxide. Workplaces where CO is found: According to the OSHA Fact sheet (2002) there are a number of places where Carbon Monoxide can be found. Places such as warehouses, pulp, paper and steel production units, breweries, boiler rooms, petroleum refineries, ship docks, blast furnaces, coke ovens etc. are areas where there is a danger of exposure to Carbon Monoxide. Other workers who are at risk of exposure to Carbon Monoxide include welders, mechanics working at garages, firemen, carbon black maker, organic chemical synthesizer, metal oxide reducer, long shore workers, diesel engine and forklift operators, marine terminal worker, toll booth and tunnel attendants, custom officers, policemen and taxi drivers. The MFL Occupational Health Center Website (n.d.) mentions other places which include foundries, ice arenas and underground mining. Often the situation gets worse in the winter season due to closed windows and doors at the work places. According to the Industrial Accident Protection Association (2006) spacious work places allow sufficient air flow which helps to remove CO as it is emitted. Confined work places have little chances of air flow which increases the chances of workers being affected by CO. A number of factors can contribute to the building up of CO in the workplace. These include poor or faulty ventilation, weather conditions, distance of the person from the source and lack of make up air. What properties make it hazardous? The physical and chemical properties of CO make it dangerous for the health of an individual. CO is in gaseous state at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. However in compressed form it can be extremely dangerous. The specific gravity of Carbon monoxide is 0.96716 (Praxair Material Safety Data Sheet, 2004) which is almost similar to that of the air (IAPA, 2006). For this reason it can spread very easily. At the same time CO pockets can be formed in places with poor ventilation (IAPA, 2006). Physical Properties: Carbon monoxide is flammable. When mixed with air it can ignite a flame in the presence of a spark. Other flammable mixtures containing CO can easily ignite a flame in the presence of heated surfaces, flames and a lighted tip of a cigarette. Other physical properties of CO are mentioned below: Melting point ------------------ -205°C or -337° F Boiling point ------------------ -192°C or -313° F (IAPA, 2006) Vapor Density ----------------- 0.9678 Specific Volume -------------- 13.8 cu ft/lb or 70° F (Praxair, 2004) Flammable range in air by volume --------- 12.5 to 74% Auto Ignition Temperature ---------610° C or 1130° F (IAPA, n.d.) Chemical Properties: The Chemical properties of Carbon monoxide have been outlined by IAPA (2006). CO is highly reactive in temperatures above 90°C. The reactive nature of CO and its chemical incompatibility can be of great concern in laboratories and process operations where the gas is available in compressed form. CO is highly incompatible with the following materials: Materials Example Chemical Reaction Metal Oxides Iron and nickel oxide Reduced to low metal oxides, Metals or metal carbides at high temperatures Heavy Metals Nickel, Iron, Chromium Potential to form explosive metal carbonyls Alkali, alkaline earth metals Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium Produces salt on reaction Aluminum Powder Potential to cause ignition Iodine Heptaflouride Potential to cause ignition Sulphur Forms Carbonyl Sulphide Chlorine Potential to form phosgene in the presence of a light or charcoal catalyst Bromine Potential to form carbonyl bromide in the presence of a light or charcoal catalyst Oxidizing materials Greater chances of fire and explosion CO is tasteless, odorless and colorless. It is also non-irritating. Its presence in the surroundings cannot be detected. Its concentration that is dangerous for human life is 1200 parts per million. Routes of entry into the body? As mentioned by IAPA (2006) CO enters into the body of a person when it is inhaled. It passes from the mouth or nose into the lungs. From the lungs it goes into the main bloodstream leaving from the alveoli or air sacs. The gas is not chemically changed once it is inside the body. As it enters the main bloodstream, it replaces oxygen in the blood and obstructs the transport of oxygen by the blood to different parts of the body. Normally, the hemoglobin in the blood combines with oxygen to produce oxyhemoglobin which is then carried to all parts of the body. When CO replaces oxygen it combines with hemoglobin to become carbooxyhemoglobin (COHb). As a result of which the supply of oxygen to different parts of the body is greatly affected. Improper supply of oxygen in the body is highly dangerous and can cause the death of a person. Effects on human body: According to NIOSH ALERT (1996) there are number of factors that determine the effect of CO on a person’s health. Some of them are as follows: -Amount of dose inhaled -Concentration of Carbon monoxide in the air -Duration of exposure to Carbon monoxide -Work load as compared to the fresh air inhaled Some other factors that play a significant role on the effects of CO include: -Age -Resistance power -Smoking, since smokers already have high concentration of CO in their body so the effects can be worse if they are exposed to even a low concentration of Carbon monoxide. The OSHA fact sheet (2002) further states that children, elders, those living at high altitudes and with lungs or cardiac diseases are also more vulnerable if exposed to CO. The effects of CO on the body outlined in IAPA (2006) are mentioned in the table below: CO LEVEL EFFECTS PPM in air % of COHb in blood 1-3 0.8-0.7 No noticeable effect and the person acts normally 30-60 5-10 Exercise ability is minimized. A normal body can take the burden up till 10% of COHb in the body. 35 6 Time weighted average exposure value 60-150 10-20 Headaches and breathing difficulty on exertion 150-300 20-30 Unbearable headache, faintness, nausea, inability to do work 300-650 30-50 Unbearable headache, nausea, vomiting, deliriousness and collapse 700-1000 50-65 Person can experience convulsion and enter into coma 1000-2000 65-70 Heart and lungs are severely affected which can turn fatal if not properly treated Above 2000 above 70 Causes death As mentioned earlier, CO replaces the oxygen in the blood and prevents its sufficient supply to different parts of the body. The most vulnerable tissues in the body are those of the nervous system and the heart. People with heart and lungs diseases have greater chances of being affected if exposed to CO. Continuous exposure to low levels of CO may produce flue like symptoms and reduces attention, comprehension and the working ability of the fine motor skills. According to the MFL Occupational Health Center, (n.d.) website a study carried out on the effects of long term exposure to CO on workers such as firemen, foundry workers and motor mechanics showed increased heart diseases among them. The study also showed that heart diseases such as angina etc can get worse on exposure to CO. Long Term Exposure: Long term exposure to CO at work place can cause serious damage to the nervous system. The effects mentioned by IAPA (2006) include loss of memory, mood swings, greater irritability, aggressive behavior, changes in personality, mental disorder, delirious gait, problem with learning, verbal aggression and impulsiveness. Who is most easily affected by CO? Undoubtedly CO is poisonous and can affect anyone who is exposed to it. However it has been stated by IAPA (2006) that pregnant women, hard working and physically agile workers, elderly workers, workers with respiratory and cardiac problems and heavy smokers are more easily affected by CO. Control Measures in the workplace: Since accidents related to exposure to CO at workplace are common, it becomes very important to eliminate or at least minimize the chances of risk. This is only possible if necessary precautions are taken at the source, along the path and by the worker. The control measures have been amicably discussed by IAPA (2006) which are mentioned below. SourceWorker Precautions at the source: Nothing is effective if the source of hazard is left unprotected. It is therefore very essential to take necessary precautions at the source of danger to avoid any mishaps or fatal accidents. Workplace Design: Work place should be designed to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals such as CO. Proper ventilation; exit doors and spacious area play an important role in minimizing exposure to hazardous gases. Up to date equipment: The equipment used at the work place must ensure all the safety requirements. Old and worn out equipment must not be used for the safety of the workers. Modification of the in use equipment: The in use equipment can be modified or upgraded on regular basis. Any damage to the equipment must be brought to the notice of the concerned authority and repaired accordingly. To further minimize the risk gasoline powered equipment can be replaced with the electric equipment. Natural gas can be preferred over synthetic gas mixtures that produce CO. Equipment containing CO can be isolated from the worker by some wall or barrier. Ventilation: Proper ventilation in workplaces where there is danger of CO or other hazardous material is very essential. Properly ventilated workplace minimizes the chances of major mishaps through accidental and unidentified leakage of the hazardous materials. Local exhausts or extraction ventilation are very useful in removing the contaminated air from the source before it reaches the workers. Once the air is filtered it is then recirculated in the workplace. Precautions Along the Path: Precautions through following the procedures: The work practices and procedures are very essential to minimize exposure to CO. All the procedures must be properly documented. The workers should be properly trained in equipment handling. The employers must ensure the fact that the procedures are being properly followed by the workers. The procedures should be carefully chalked out to ensure minimum exposure to hazardous materials. Cylinders of compressed CO: CO in the compressed form can be extremely dangerous. Hence it becomes very important to store the cylinders of compressed CO at the proper places. The cylinders must be stored in a cool, dry place away from the sun light. At the same time they should be stored at or above ground level. Faulty and leaking cylinders must not be used and should be labeled accordingly. The cylinders must be kept in an upright position and should be tightly closed. They must not be stored along with those materials which are chemically incompatible with Carbon Monoxide. An alarm system, for detecting CO, must be installed in every work place. Maintenance: Along with following the procedures, the maintenance of the equipment is also very essential. The performance of the equipment is reduced with age of the equipment. At the same time the performance is also affected if the equipment is damaged, not taken for service, not properly repaired or is repaired by some method not mentioned in the guidelines of the equipment. The equipment’s performance level must be properly documented along with the repair and maintenance record. This makes it easy to understand the performance level of the equipment and helps in minimizing accidents. The repairs must be carried out in a properly ventilated room to avoid any mishaps. Preferably the maintenance should be carried out on a holiday. The exposure levels of the workers involved in the repair and maintenance of the equipment must be seriously considered. They must be provided with necessary protection equipment that could come in handy in case of accidental exposure to CO. Precautions by the employers and employees: In those work places where there is danger of exposure to CO, the workers can carry respiratory apparatus with them. However, it has been suggested that the respirators should only be used in cases of emergencies. According to Praxair Material Safety Data Sheet (2004) safety glasses and gloves are also very essential at the time of handling the cylinders of Carbon monoxide. Respirable fume respirators or air supply respirators often come handy in confined spaces. Education and Training: According to MFL Occupational Health Center (n.d.) education and training of the workers is very important to avoid exposure to CO and other hazardous materials. The training is made essential under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Training should cover all the necessary aspects of occupational health and safety. The workers should be able to recognize the hazardous symbols. They should be informed about the workplaces or equipments that can give off CO. Education related to the signs and symptoms of CO is very important as it can help the workers understand the situation well in time. The workers should also be informed about the best possible way to avoid maximum exposure to CO. Furthermore, according to the IAPA (2006) the workers should be informed about the dangers and side effects of exposure to CO so that they take the matter seriously. Training related to the handling and storage of the hazardous materials and their maintenance, the use of the respirators and analyzing the level of CO in the air is very important. Workers should be made aware of the necessary precautions that must be followed to ensure safety. At the same time the first aid training related to exposure to CO is very essential. Training must include all the new methods for prevention. What I have learned about the gas? The above information related to the dangers of CO in the workplace discloses the fact that CO is a poisonous gas and can kill anyone before a person is able to identify its presence in the work place. The physical and chemical properties of Carbon monoxide give us convincing evidence of its reactive nature. If combined with any non compatible material it can cause fatalities. As mentioned above there are a number of workplaces where CO is used as a raw material. Exposure to CO can cause dizziness and headaches. Prolonged exposure can lead to irreparable damage to the heart, lungs and the nervous system. CO is highly dangerous for the smokers, elders and those with heart and respiratory problems. If exposed to it, immediate aid should be given to the worker. As a worker it is very important to understand the health hazards related with the job. Following necessary precautions can not only save one life but also of many co workers. Conclusion: Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous chemical. Its use in the manufacture of different products cannot be ignored. However, at the same time the health hazards related to it must also not be ignored. It is the moral duty of every employer to ensure maximum safety of his workers. The workers must also follow all the necessary steps to avoid any accident. Only a mutual cooperation between the employer and the employees can ensure a safe and healthy environment at the work places. References “Carbon Monoxide”, MFL Occupational Health Center, Inc. Canada (n.d.). Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from http://www.mflohc.mb.ca/fact_sheets_folder/carbon_monoxide.html “Carbon Monoxide”, Praxair Material Safety Data Sheet, Praxair Canada Inc. (2004), Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from http://www.praxair.com/praxair.nsf/d63afe71c771b0d785256519006c5ea1/799ae9bb7fb9197d85256e5b0068bb65/$FILE/CarbonMonoxide-Canada.pdf “Carbon Monoxide in the Workplace”, Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), Ontario, Canada (2006), Pg. 4-26. Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from www.iapa.ca/pdf/carbon_monoxide_feb2003.pdf “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, OSHA Fact sheet”, U.S Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (2002).Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf “Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline Powered Engine Tools”, NIOSH ALERT, Publication no. 96-118. (September 1996), Retrieved on February 10, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/carbon2.html Read More