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Carbon Monoxide Hazards Explained

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Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless exhaust by-product of combustion engines. Potentially dangerous exposure can occur before symptoms actually appear.
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High exposure in the short-term can include the following key symptoms:

  • Drowsiness
  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Impaired judgement
  • Convulsions, coma and death can occur with acute exposure
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The long-term effects of Carbon Monoxide exposure are hardening of arteries and increased risk of heart attack.
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels whilst cutting with a petrol-powered saw during new house construction

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  • CO levels were measured on 4 separate jobs using cutting equipment without fume extraction
  • After 60 minutes all jobs exceeded the Australia CO Exposure Standard
  • All cutting took place during new house construction with the walls up and the roof off.
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Source: Hazards of Quick-Cut Brick Chasing Saws; with Main Focus, the Assessment and Control of Carbon Monoxide Exposure. A Report For: Worksafe – Department of Consumer & Employment Protection Western Australia.

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