CBS This Morning news reported on August 5th that Ford may be closer to issuing a major recall on Explorers due to possible carbon monoxide (CO) leaks.
In the interim of a vehicle recall, some police departments have installed carbon monoxide detectors in their vehicles. If your organization is one of them, check the UL listing of the detector(s). If they have the UL 2034 listing they will not alarm at carbon monoxide levels below 70 parts per million (PPM), which is critical.
The Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limit for carbon monoxide, expressed as an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) is 25 PPM. The 8-hour TWA PEL is the highest level an employee may be exposed to a chemical substance or physical agent without incurring adverse health effects.
The best way to protect employees from CO exposure is to determine whether a hazard exists. One way to quantify the exposure is to install low level carbon monoxide detectors (0-50+ PPM) designed for automotive use in any vehicle you suspect is leaking CO into the occupant compartment. If a hazardous condition is found, take immediate corrective action.
One source for purchasing low level carbon monoxide detectors is Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety of CO Experts. You can also find additional information on carbon monoxide from the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.
Questions? Contact Juan Cajandig, EIA Sr. Loss Prevention Specialist