Mandatory risk assessments must include possibility of CO poisoning

Employers are required to carry out risk assessments of all work activities, which must include testing for the possibility of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning, according to a reminder released by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.

If there is risk of CO poisoning, there should be a recommendation of control measures, which may include regular maintenance and inspection of equipment, as well as employee awareness training and suitable ventilation.

CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of gaseous, solid or liquid fuels. Wherever there is an appliance incorporating the burning of a fuel, there is the potential for the generation of CO.

CO is highly poisonous, even at very low levels of concentration, and can cause brain damage or death. It is known as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable to the human senses. You cannot see, taste or smell it.

The presence of CO may cause the following symptoms: fatigue, headaches, nausea, chest pains, sudden giddiness when standing up, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach pains and erratic behaviour.

If you suspect that an appliance or machine is producing CO, switch it off, open doors and windows to ventilate the room and seek medical help.

This statement comes two days after 14 people were hospitalized following a CO poisoning incident during a wedding at Montecristo, Luqa.

According to media reports, the incident happened after cooking equipment was taken indoors because of high winds which hit the wedding premises.

All those involved have been released from hospital.