Carbon monoxide exposures from propane-powered floor burnishers following addition of emissions controls
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States). Dept. of Risk Management and Safety
Previous published work by this author suggests that propane-powered floor burnisher use represents a potentially serious health hazard from carbon monoxide exposures, particularly for susceptible individuals. This earlier study was repeated using burnishers retrofitted with emission controls consisting of self-aspirating catalytic mufflers and computerized air/fuel monitors and alarms. Real-time carbon monoxide detectors with data-logging capabilities were placed on the burnishers in the breathing zones of operators during burnisher use. Carbon monoxide levels were recorded every 30 seconds. Ventilation and physical characteristics of the spaces of burnisher use were characterized, as were burnisher maintenance practices. Thirteen burnishing events were monitored under conditions comparable to previously published monitoring. All carbon monoxide exposures were well below even the most conservative recommended limits from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Potential failures of the emission controls were also identified and included air filter blockage, spark plug malfunction, and faulty alarm function design.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 305450
- Journal Information:
- Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Vol. 13, Issue 11; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
An overview of carbon monoxide generation and release by home appliances
Buffing, burnishing, and stripping of vinyl asbestos floor tile