Cold weather is inevitable. It comes every year around this time, yet we always feel like it snuck up on us. For outdoor workers, cold weather isn’t just annoying. It’s a hazard.

Exposure to cold weather can lead to things such as frostbite and hypothermia. The problem is that trying to stay warm sometimes creates and even bigger hazard: carbon monoxide (CO).

You and your workers are likely aware of the deadly effects of CO. It builds up in your body rather quickly and can cause headaches, breathing problems, unconsciousness, and death.

In construction, the main source of CO is engine exhaust. Gasoline, propane, and diesel engines all release carbon monoxide. Some types of welding also produce it.

At this time of year, heaters are another major source. Workers may set up propane heaters in work areas without taking the same ventilation precautions they are trained to take with tools and equipment. The exhaust from a heater can be just as poisonous as the exhaust from a diesel-powered tool.

To prevent CO from harming the workers on your site,

•   remind everyone about the dangers of CO. Make it the topic of your next safety talk.
• make sure workers know how to ventilate the work area properly.
• review the symptoms of CO poisoning so workers will recognize them early enough to leave the area before permanent damage occurs.

2-Minute News is the bulletin on construction safety you can read in two
minutes or less! It’s emailed to subscribers in the middle of each month
by the Construction Safety Association of Ontario.