Carbon monoxide is a huge health risk when present in enclosed spaces. Part of the reason it is so dangerous is because of our human senses inability to detect it — it is odourless, colourless and has no discernible taste. Furthermore, exposure to CO produces generalised symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and confusion. This can make it difficult or impossible to identify as being the potential cause of these symptoms. This is why it is so important to have the correct safety precautions and measures in place, such as CO monitoring systems, as this harmful substance can not only cause negative health concerns, but it can also be fatal.
Reliable CO monitoring can effectively mitigate the risk of CO exposure by quickly notifying those facing the threat and allowing corrective measures to be put in place quickly and effectively. Consider these three reasons to upgrade your CO monitoring system.
1. Employee Safety
No matter the business, the health and safety of workers should always be a top priority. Employees, managers and senior leadership all deserve and are entitled to a safe and hazard-free workplace. CO monitoring and testing is a highly effective means of defending against a harmful substance that is otherwise invisible. Regular testing when equipment and systems that can produce CO malfunction, or when employees report symptoms that may be associated with CO exposure can help protect everyone for the worst-case scenario — CO poisoning.
2. Legal compliance
CO exposure above certain thresholds can be dangerous, and that danger increases the longer a person continues to inhale the gas. The maximum limit during a standard eight-hour workday is 30 parts per million. This is the highest acceptable level of exposure by New Zealand law.
Businesses that don't take this seriously or neglect to take the steps necessary to address the potential build-up of CO and the subsequent health issues can face significant sanctions and penalties.
While CO is especially dangerous in the sense that it isn't easily noticeable to our human senses, detecting it with proper equipment is a simple process. With the correct measuring solutions and probes, your company can effectively and consistently measure for the potential presence of CO.
3. Productivity
It should be obvious that safe and healthy employees are productive employees. Furthermore, when employees know that the organisation takes all the necessary steps and precautions to keep them safe, they'll have peace of mind, and this morale is invaluable while on the job. Even though CO is just one of many potential hazards in the workplace, it can cause especially severe and negative effects on health. Even less severe exposure can lead to symptoms that interfere with an employee's ability to function safely and normally. The associated headache, dizziness and confusion can have catastrophic effects.
While safety is the top priority when implementing CO monitoring, it is important to note that these solutions also support productivity and consistency in the workplace.
Understanding different types of CO monitoring equipment
Testo New Zealand offers a wide range of CO monitoring equipment that can address the needs of any organisation, no matter the size or industry
- Multifunction measuring solutions, such as the Testo 400 Universal IAQ instrument, allow for effective and comprehensive monitoring of CO and many other indoor air quality and comfort parameters using a single device.
- CO probes work with multifunction instruments to consistently measure the presence of CO and keep employees safe.
- Ambient CO measurement solutions are especially effective when working with heating systems.