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News UpdatesNIOSH : Volume 2, Number 10, 2009IOSH Updates :

Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes,CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. Atlower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are oftenmistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches,dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects ofCO exposure can vary greatly from person to persondepending on age, overall health and the concentration andlength of exposure.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneysand furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters,wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and othergasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust fromattached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation

during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas orkerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO inindoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintainedcombustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significantsources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked,disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust fromattached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also bea source.

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in peoplewith heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision andcoordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-likesymptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very highconcentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation ofcarboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. Atmoderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brainfunction may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Levels in Homes

Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts permillion (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.

ALERT:

Put generators outside.Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces,sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide canquickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, evenafter the generator has shut off.

OSH INFO : An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

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News UpdatesNIOSH : Volume 2, Number 10, 2009IOSH Updates :

Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefullymanaged adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when highlevels of CO are expected for short periods of time.

Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one. Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.

Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. Open flues when fireplaces are in use. Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all

wood stoves fit tightly. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually.

Repair any leaks promptly. Do not idle the car inside garage.

Sources : http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

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The Five S program focuses on having visual order, organization, cleanliness and standardization. The results you can expectfrom a Five S program are: improved profitability, efficiency, service and safety.

The principles underlying a Five S program at f irst appear to be simple, obvious common sense. And they are. But until theadvent of Five S programs many businesses ignored these basic principles.

What are the Five S's?Use the following links to learn more about 5SSort - the first step in making things cleaned up and organizedSet In Order - organize, identify and arrange everything in a work areaShine - regular cleaning and maintenanceStandardize - make it easy to maintain - simplify and standardizeSustain -maintaining what has been accomplished

NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : 5S

What is a Five S?

A Five S program is usually a part of, and the key component of establishing a Visual Workplace. and are both a part of Kaizen -- asystem of continual improvement -- which is a component of lean manufacturing.

http://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/sort.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/systematize.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/sweep.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/standardize.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/self-discipline.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/visual-factory-management.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/kaizen/index.phphttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/kaizen/index.phphttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/visual-factory-management.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/self-discipline.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/standardize.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/sweep.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/systematize.htmlhttp://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/sort.html

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Product Details

Paperback: 92 pages

Publisher: HSE Books; Revised edition (June 1999)

ISBN-10: 0717624528

ISBN-13: 978-0717624522

Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Aimed at managers, this text explains why human factors are important in health andsafety and how they need to be assessed and managed in the same way as otherrisk factors. It gives practical advice on how to develop systems designed to take

account of human capabilities and fallibilities.

**Book for reference only :More details of this book, please refer NIOSH Library and to browse list of collection please visit; http://www.niosh.com.my

NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour (Guidance Booklets) (Paperback)

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Publication : THE STAR

Date : 23/03/2010

Page : N24

Headline : Six die in gas mishap

NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

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Publication : BERITA HARIAN

Date : 23/03/2010

Page : 13

Headline : Enam maut terhidu

gas beracun

NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

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NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTINGPublication : HARIAN METRO

Date : 23/03/2010

Page : 7

Headline : Enam sahabat maut terhidu gas beracun

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Publication : NEW STRAITS TIMES

Date : 23/03/2010

Page : 2

Headline : Six workers die in manhole

NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING