Emergency Preparedness And Response

For Carbon Monoxide

By - S. G. Patel

1
outline

• Knowing Carbon monoxide

• How does CO harm you?
• Who is at risk?
• POTENTIAL HAZARDS
• Controlling Exposure to CO
• Steps for Initial Response to a Chemical HAZMAT
Incident
• In Case Of An Emergency
• EMERGENCY RESPONSE

2
Knowing Carbon monoxide

Property characteristic
State  liquid
    liquefied gas
    gas

Colour Colourless
odor odourless
Boiling Point:    -191.5 deg C
Melting Point: -205.02 deg C

3
How does CO harm you?

• Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it

displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain,
and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can
overcome you in minutes without warning causing you to
lose consciousness and suffocate.
• CO poisoning can be reversed if caught in time. But even if
you recover, acute poisoning may result in permanent
damage to the parts of your body that require a lot of oxygen
such as the heart and brain. Significant reproductive risk is
also linked to CO.

4
How does carbon monoxide
enter the body?
• Carbon monoxide is
inhaled, and passes
through the upper
respiratory system and
down into lungs. Almost all
the carbon monoxide
entering the body leaves
the lungs and passed
directly into bloodstream
through the alveoli (air
sacs). Carbon monoxide is
not changed chemically
while in the body. 5
What does carbon monoxide
do while in the body?
Carbon monoxide interferes with the ability of the blood
to transport oxygen. Haemoglobin, a protein present in
the red blood cells, normally binds oxygen (to form
oxyhemoglobin) and transports it to all parts of the body.
Carbon monoxide competes with oxygen and binds to
haemoglobin (to form carboxyhemoglobin or COHb) much
more easily. Carbon monoxide is therefore a chemical
asphyxiant. This means that it prevents sufficient oxygen
from reaching the tissues of the body (see Table 4 below).
Insufficient oxygen can cause DEATH

6
What long-term effects are caused
by exposure to carbon monoxide?

Effects produced by exposure to carbon monoxide are

generally reversible. That is, the effects disappear
following removal from exposure. In addition, effects
produced during one exposure are usually
independent of those produced during any other.
Massive overexposure can cause permanent damage.
Damage is most likely to occur in the nervous system.
These effects can include:

7
Who is at risk?
• You may be exposed to harmful levels of CO in boiler rooms,
breweries, warehouses, petroleum refineries, pulp and paper
production, and steel production; around docks, blast
furnaces, or coke ovens; or in one of the following
occupations:
■ Welder
■ Garage mechanic
■ Fire-fighter
■ Carbon-black maker
■ Organic chemical synthesizer
■ Metal oxide reducer
■ Long shore worker
■ Diesel engine operator
■ Forklift operator
■ Toll booth or tunnel attendant 8
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTH
· TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
· Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury
and/or frostbite.
· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
· Runoff from fire control may cause pollution

9
 POTENTIAL HAZARDS
• FIRE OR EXPLOSION
· Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
· May form explosive mixtures with air.
· Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively
when heated or involved in a fire.
· Vapour from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread
along ground.
· Vapour may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
· Some of these materials may react violently with water.
· Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and flammable
gas through pressure relief devices.
· Containers may explode when heated.
· Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
· Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard
10
Protective Distance

11
Protective Distance

12
Controlling Exposure to CO
• The effects of exposure to carbon monoxide, both short-
term and long-term, can be prevented. This is achieved by
using control procedures and practices.
• Process selection/workplace design
⁻ gas handling systems
⁻ process venting
⁻ use of closed versus open system design

• Equipment selection
• Modification of existing equipment or processes
• Ventilation

13
Controlling Exposure to CO

Dilution Ventilation

14
Controlling Exposure to CO

fan
ducts

air cleaner
hood

makeup air

Local Exhaust Ventilation

15
Controlling Exposure to CO
• Cylinder storage of compressed carbon monoxide
• Maintenance
• Respiratory protection
₋ An Airline Respirator
₋ self Contained Breathing Apparatus

An Airline Respirator self Contained Breathing Apparatus

16
Steps for Initial Response to a
Chemical HAZMAT Incident

DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME A VICTIM!

17
What is an emergency action plan?

• An emergency action plan (EAP) is intended to facilitate and

organize employer and worker actions during workplace
emergencies and is recommended for all employers. Well-
developed emergency plans and proper worker training
(i.e., so that workers understand their roles and
responsibilities within the plan) will result in fewer and less
severe worker injuries and less damage to the facility during
emergencies. A poorly prepared plan may lead to a
disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in
confusion, injury, illness (due to chemical, biological and/or
radiation exposure), and/or property damage.

18
Am I required to have an Emergency
Action Plan (EAP)?
Workplaces covered by the following standards may be
required to have an EAP:
• Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous
Chemicals Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General Fire
Detection Systems
• Grain Handling Ethylene Oxide
• Methylenedianiline 1,3-Butadiene

• Carbon monoxide is not subject to EPA emergency

planning requirements under the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act

19
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

20
In Case Of An Emergency
PUBLIC SAFETY
• CALL EMERGENCY RESPONSE Telephone Number on Shipping
Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer
to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back
cover.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak
area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground
and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements,
tanks).
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

21
 In Case Of An Emergency
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus

(SCBA).
• Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically
recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or
no thermal protection.
• Structural fire fighters' protective clothing provides limited
protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill
situations where direct contact with the substance is
possible.

22
In Case Of An Emergency

EVACUATION
Spill
• See the Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for
highlighted materials. For non-highlighted materials,
increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the
isolation distance shown under .
Fire
• If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for
1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial
evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

23
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
FIRE
• DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN
BE STOPPED.
Small Fire
• Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
Large Fire
• Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.
• FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use AFFF alcohol-
resistant medium-expansion foam.
• Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
• Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

24
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Fire involving Tanks

• Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose
holders or monitor nozzles.
• Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well
after fire is out.
• Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing
may occur.
• Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting
safety devices or discoloration of tank.
• ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire

25
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Fire Fighting Procedures
• Stop flow of gas before extinguishing fire. Use water spray to
keep fire-exposed containers cool. Fire situation may require
evacuation.
• Use powder or carbon dioxide.
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire
unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as
fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of
water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.
• Let fire burn; shut off flow of gas and cool adjacent exposures
with water. Extinguish (only if wearing self-contained breathing
apparatus) with dry chemicals or carbon dioxide

26
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
SPILL OR LEAK
• ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks
or flames in immediate area).
• All equipment used when handling the product must be
grounded.
• Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be
worn for spills and leaks with no fire.
• Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
• Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
• Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.
• Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud
drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled
material.

27
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• FOR CHLOROSILANES, use AFFF alcohol-resistant medium-

expansion foam to reduce vapours.
• If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes
rather than liquid.
• Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or
confined areas.
• Isolate area until gas has dispersed

28
 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
• FIRST AID
• Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s)
involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
• Move victim to fresh air.
• Call emergency medical service.
• Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
• Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or
inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid
of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other
proper respiratory medical device.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

29
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRST AID
• Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
• In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes
with running water for at least 20 minutes.
• In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with
lukewarm water.
• In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as
possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to
skin.
• Keep victim calm and warm.
• Keep victim under observation.
• Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed

30
 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Other Preventive Measures
• If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames,
and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water
sources and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue
• personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.Personnel
protection: Avoid breathing vapours. Keep upwind .Do not handle
broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment. Approach fire with caution.
• Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed
to direct flame consider evacuation of one-third (1/3) mile radius. If
material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from downwind
area based on amount of material spilled, location and weather
conditions.

31
 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
• ALERT: Put generators outside. Never use a generator inside
homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels
of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can
linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping
stove inside a home, tent, or camper
• Install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL
2034 or CSA 6.19 safety standards. A CO alarm can provide some
added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and
upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in
the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make
sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.

32
33