Tip #4 How to Spot the Symptoms of Over Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) are invisible to the human senses, yet are found in industrial premises worldwide. CO is given off whenever fuel or other carbon-based materials are burned. CO usually comes from sources in or near your home that are not properly maintained or vented. 

Exposure of unsafe levels of CO can be caused by:

• using poorly maintained or unvented heating equipment
• improperly vented natural gas appliances
• running vehicles in workplaces or other enclosed spaces
• building fires
• clogged chimneys or blocked heating exhaust vents
• running generators or gas-powered tools indoors or outside near windows, doors or vents
• being near boat engine exhaust outlets

How CO Effects the Body
All people can be at risk of CO poisoning. From unborn babies and infants to the elderly or people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems can all be at risk - some with higher risks than others.

Symptoms and Health Effects
Early symptoms can be mistake for the flu, headache or tiredness and can include:

• headache
• dizziness
• vomiting
• nausea

While low exposure may not be immediately fatal, ongoing exposure of low levels can have a cumulative effect and over time can cause serious illness and long term health conditions. 

If CO levels are high enough, you run the risk of becoming unconscious or even dying. Exposure to moderate and high levels of CO over long periods of time has also been linked with increased risk of heart disease. People who survive severe CO poisoning may suffer long-term health problems.

A serious problem which is commonly overlooked, how can you have complete confidence that you are not breathing dangerous levels of toxic gasses? The solution - our RPB GX4 intelligent gas monitor, which has the ability to moitor up to four gases simultaneously, giving you and your employees' peace of mind that the air you and your employees are breathing is safe.

GX4 features:

• THe GX4 can monitor for the following:
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 
  • Oxygen
  • Oil Mist
  • Water (H2O)
• Easily mounted to the RPB Radex Airline Filter or to the wall and constantly monitors air supply for up to four different gases
• The unit uses four pre-calibrated gas sensor cartridges that last for up to two years and can be easily removed and replaced as required
• It is fitted with a 103 DBA staccato alarm and can also be connected to other external alarms or automatic shut off systems to make sure that workers are alerted if gases are approaching unsafe levels
• Readings are displayed in real time on the illuminated display and the unit also has a built in WIFI hotspot so it can be accessed via a laptop, tablet, phone or network
• The unit keeps detailed records, logging data every five seconds which is useful for inspectors
• It also keeps logs of any alarms that go off so that if it is ignored or silenced you’ll still be able to see when it was triggered. It also monitors each gas cartridge and alerts the user when a replacement is needed
   

Download the full product brochure here.

To discuss your current air monitoring requirements and/or products required to create a safe working environment, please get in touch. Thanks for reading this week's tip and have a great day!