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Controlling Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Exposure to CO due to emissions of internal combustion engines can be controlled by ensuring a sufficient quantity of fresh air changes and/or lowering the amount of CO emitted into the atmosphere. The amount of general dilution ventilation required depends on the following:
- Number of vehicles in operation
- Operating condition of vehicles
- Amount of CO generated by vehicles
- Volume of air space in the plant
The effectiveness of general dilution ventilation also depends on obtaining reasonably good airflow distribution.
Local exhaust ventilation should be utilized whenever internal combustion lift trucks are receiving a tune-up or other maintenance work that requires the engine to idle. Local exhaust ventilation on a stationary lift truck can be accomplished by connecting a long, noncollapsible, negative-pressure hose to the vehicle’s tailpipe and venting the exhaust emissions directly to the outdoors.
Lift truck operators’ exposures to CO can be monitored using a calibrated single-gas CO monitors that the operator wears for the duration of the shift. Based on the results of exposure monitoring, general ventilation should be increased and/or the CO emissions should be reduced.
Reducing CO Emissions
To reduce CO emissions, consider the following options:
- Battery-powered lift trucks. Battery-powered lift trucks eliminates the CO emission issue; however, they are initially more expensive when all of the necessary equipment is considered. Batteries, chargers, and a properly equipped charging area are needed, which should be factored into the cost evaluation. Slower travel and lift speeds, limited horsepower, and difficulty meeting an eight-hour work intensive duty cycle are other limitations with battery-powered lift trucks.
- Diesel-powered lift trucks. Diesel-powered lift trucks generate significantly less CO than equivalently sized propane or gasoline trucks. However, one problem associated with diesel fuel is the diesel particulate matter and various other harmful constituents (such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) that are associated with diesel exhaust. Some of the constituents of diesel exhaust are suspected of causing cancer.
- Retrofit options. Installing catalytic converters on lift trucks may reduce CO levels 70 to 90% from original concentrations. Installing fuel emission controllers that monitor the engine and exhaust systems to deliver a more precise fuel mixture to the engine may further reduce CO emissions and provide improved fuel economy. Installing catalytic mufflers is another retrofit option that refines the exhaust gas prior to exiting.
- Consider using propane additives. Propane additives reduce heavy-end buildup in the carburetor, improve engine combustion, and improve fuel economy. Propane additives may reduce CO emissions by 50 to 60%.
- Perform periodic tune-ups of lift trucks. Lift trucks should receive a periodic tune-up so that less than 1% (preferably 0.5%) of CO is discharged. A CO analyzer (designed for performing tailpipe emission tests) should be used when performing periodic lift truck tune-ups to determine the amount of CO that is emitted.
- Driving techniques. Driving techniques play a role in reducing CO emissions from internal combustion lift trucks. Teach lift truck operators to minimize CO emissions by reducing warm-up time, avoiding cold starts, minimizing idling time, avoiding erratic braking and accelerating, and not racing the engine. Storing or parking lift trucks in cold areas such as freezers should be avoided to reduce the warm-up time of the engine and exhaust gases.
References
Begani, W. “Reducing CO Emissions from Propane Lift Trucks.” Plant Engineering. July 1998: 94-98.
Boyd, D. “Carbon Monoxide: How to Make It Go Away.” The Synergist. Oct. 2003: 33-34.
Clark, J. “Properly Tuned Lift Trucks Deliver High Performance, Low Emissions.” Plant Engineering. April 1998: 88-90.
Mahoney, D. “Carbon Monoxide Exposure from Fork Truck Exhaust.” Professional Safety. Sep. 1990: 15-17.
Mills, M. “Cutting Emissions. Occupational Health & Safety. Sep. 1999: 58.
Reynolds, L. “Preventing CO Exposure from Propane Forklifts.” Occupational Health & Safety. Sep. 1997: 54.
Riley, D. “Creative Controls for Carbon Monoxide Emissions.” Occupational Health & Safety. July 1995: 22.
Schwind, G. “CO Emissions: Where and How You Measure Makes a Difference.” Material Handling Engineering. Oct. 1997
For more information on promoting health and safety in the workplace, visit the American Industrial Hygiene Association website at www.aiha.org