Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels like gasoline. Power tools that run on gasoline can produce carbon monoxide, posing a safety hazard especially indoors. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from power tools, operators must ensure adequate ventilation when using tools, store power tools properly in specialized cabinets, and be aware of symptoms like headaches and nausea that could indicate exposure to carbon monoxide.

1. Containit Solutions
Preventing Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning Hazards When Using
Power Tools

2. CO Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that leak from many sources. The
incomplete combustion of any fuel like charcoal, gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil and gas can cause a
CO leak. As such, any appliance, vehicle or fuel-powered tool can be a potential source of this highly
toxic gas.
Installing a CO detector throughout the workspace is essential because it’s the only proven way to
detect a leak. Most cases of CO poisoning can occur in just a few minutes and can be fatal once the
concentration of CO in the air is much higher than that of oxygen. Facilities and private workshops
must have a CO detector that is in good condition.
Power tools are extremely helpful, whether used in a facility or a workshop at home. Both portable or
handheld and stationary power tools significantly reduce the amount of manual labour used with hand
tools.
However, most power tools, even consumer tools that DIY enthusiasts use, run on gasoline. Hence,
power tools present potential safety hazards, including carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, especially
when used indoors or in a semi-closed facility. But tradespeople and consumers can avoid these risks
through the following:

3. Adequate Ventilation
Many power tools need higher voltage or horsepower to operate. This increases the likelihood of
incomplete combustion. To reduce the risks, the operator must avoid working in closed or semi-closed
spaces. Proper ventilation doesn’t always prevent poisoning, but it makes a difference. Windows, doors,
exhausts and fans could help reduce the CO concentrations within the premises.
Specialised Storage
Storage is an essential requirement in work environments that use power tools. There are specialised,
high-density storage cabinets designed to keep power tools safe and secure. Proper storage not only
reduces CO hazards and protects the tools from damage and moisture, but it also helps prevent access
by people who might not use them properly.

4. SOURCES:
http://containit.com.au/
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/96-118a/
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/safety-alerts/whsq
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/news/carbon-monoxide-safety
Awareness
In many cases, victims of CO poisoning were completely unaware of what was happening to their body,
until they fell to the ground and lost consciousness. These are the most obvious symptoms, but there are
subtle signs as well.
For example, if a person handling a power tool experiences a headache and nausea a few minutes after
usage, he or she must stop immediately and seek medical help. Visual disturbances and loss of
consciousness could also occur within minutes of usage.
Power tools are extremely helpful in a wide variety of applications. But, it’s important to consider all
hazards associated with them and know how to respond to risky situations such as a carbon monoxide
leak.