Manual

Co NumberS to remember
Although there are several sources causing CO over-exposure conditions, there are a few common problems
relatedtocombustion,suchasinadequateventilation,tightbuildings,andfuelsreleasingCO.
PPM CO Time Symptoms
9PPM- 24hour NationalambientairqualitylimitforCO(EPA’soutdoor)(ASHRAEindoor)
CO “Action” level for many public safety organizations.
35PPM 8hours Maximum8hrworkplaceexposure(OSHA)
200PPM 3hours Mildheadache,fatigue,nauseaanddizziness.
400PPM 2hours Seriousheadache,dizziness,andnausea.Lifethreateningafter3hours.
800PPM 45min Dizziness,nausea,convulsions,andunconsciousness.Deathwithin2-3hrs.
3200PPM 5-10min Dizziness,nausea,convulsions,andunconsciousness.Deathwithin25-30min.
6400PPM 1-2min Deathwithin10-15minutes.
12,800PPM 30sec Deathwithin1-3minutes.
The above information has been compiled from a number of sources listed below, and is intended as non-
technical reference related to Carbon Monoxide poisoning within a work environment as it relates to the Combustion
Analyzersand/orCOdetectorsbeingused.Suchequipmentbeingoperatedintheseconditionsareintendedtobeused
byqualifiedprofessionalsorunderthesupervisionofone.UEistronglyurgesalltechnicianstofollowstateandlocal
guidelines and safety regulations. The above information is provided in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the
date compiled. It is expected that individuals receiving the information will exercise their independent judgment in
determiningitsappropriatenessforaparticularpurpose.Accordingly,UEiwillnotberesponsiblefordamagesofany
kind resulting from the use of this information or updates of data post printing.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
how doeS Co affeCt uS
When victims inhale CO, the toxic gas enters the bloodstream and replaces the oxygen molecules
found on the critical blood component, hemoglobin, depriving the heart and brain of the oxygen necessary to
function.
 CarbonMonoxidePoisoningSymptoms
 • Mildexposure:
- Often described as flu-like symptoms, including slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue.
 • Mediumexposure:
   -Severethrobbingheadache,drowsiness,confusion,fastheartrate.
 •Extremeexposure:
- Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, death.
CO poisoning victims may initially suffer flu-like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, headaches,
dizziness,confusionandbreathingdifficulty.BecauseCOpoisoningoftencausesavictim’sbloodpressure
torise,thevictim’sskinmaybecomepinkandflushed.Manycasesofreportedcarbonmonoxidepoisoning
indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented, that they are unable to save
themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance.
IMPORTANT CO INFORMATION
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