Abstract

Each year, there are many cases, notably in the construction sector, of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning resulting from the use of tools powered by internal combustion engines. This report, which was prepared at the request of the CSST, documents the problem of CO poisoning. It compiles existing information on the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, identifies hazards, and notes that while threshold limit values are clearly defined, the perception of risk is still very murky for users of these tools. The document presents prevention avenues gleaned from research conducted over the past 10 years on the reduction of CO emissions from the engines of small devices. It concludes that the situation can only be turned around if all stakeholders are made more aware of both basic prevention measures and the potential for the rapid accumulation of carbon monoxide from small powered tools in closed or semi-closed spaces, as is often the case in the building construction and renovation sector. Concerted action is thus the only way to significantly reduced the incidence of CO poisoning in the workplace.