Forklifts and carbon monoxide – a deadly mix

A new Department of Labour campaign is underway to ensure those who work with fuel-powered forklifts are aware of the deadly consequences of carbon monoxide.

It can kill without warning. The gas can quickly build up inside, where there is little or no ventilation, and people can be overcome without realising they have been exposed to it.

Carbon monoxide is the most common form of poisoning in New Zealand and, in recent years, there has been a number of cases where groups of employees have suffered from the build up of carbon monoxide in warehouses and cool stores.

If using fuel-powered forklifts in a confined space, such as a shipping container or in a building with poor ventilation, one needs to be aware of this hidden danger.

From now until Christmas, the Department of Labour will be visiting 100 major hirers and sellers of forklifts to assess their level of awareness of this risk and to make sure they inform their customers about the hazard.

"The first response should be to eliminate the source of carbon monoxide by using electric-powered forklifts," says the Department"s chief adviser health and safety, Dr Geraint Emrys.

"But, if this isn’t possible or if carts and trolleys can’t be used, you need to consider the following steps:
Do not use fuel-powered forklifts in confined, restricted or poorly ventilated areas
Do not let forklifts idle when they are near the entrance or inside a building
Forklifts should not be used in chilled areas such as freezers – these places do not normally have high levels of ventilation.

Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because it is odourless, has no taste and cannot be detected without special monitoring equipment."The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is reduced in well ventilated areas, and where forklifts are regularly maintained and catalytic converters are used," Dr Emrys said.

"Those selling and hiring out forklifts also have a responsibility to make sure the customer has the right forklift for their environment. They are legally required to advise on the hazards of carbon monoxide."

As part of the campaign, the Department has put together a series of factsheets on fuel-powered forklifts. For further information: www.dol.govt.nz