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Using propane floor machines for hard floor maintenance is a big time-saver and reduces seemingly impossible floor maintenance chores into manageable tasks. Cleaning employees use these machines and transform a dull, lifeless floor into a sparkling walkway that makes the whole building look cleaner. But these machines can also be dangerous if not used and maintained correctly. Propane floor machines are powered by an internal combustion engine and are fueled by propane. These engines, just like an automobile engine, release carbon monoxide into the air. However unlike car engines, the carbon monoxide that floor machines emit is released into an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide (CO), is a colorless, odorless gas and in a confined area can build up to create an unsafe working environment. Any cleaning equipment powered by propane should receive regular maintenance by a trained technician. Employees that use propane powered equipment, as well as employees that may be in the area where the equipment is being used, should be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Knowing what carbon monoxide is and recognizing the early warning signals can reduce or eliminate overexposure, which can lead to health problems or, in the extreme case, death. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it kills without warning. It is odorless and colorless, and replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. The symptoms of CO poisoning can be mistaken as lack of sleep, food poisoning, or a mild flu. As an employer, you need to inform employees of the symptoms of CO poisoning if there is a chance they may be exposed. At low or moderate levels of CO exposure, symptoms may develop over 1 to 2 hours and include: Shortness of breath Headaches Weakness Dizziness Disorientation Nausea Unusually red cheeks With higher levels of CO exposure, symptoms develop in a shorter period of time - 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours, and include: Severe headaches Dizziness Weakness Disorientation Vomiting Fainting Employees exposed to low levels of CO poisoning usually recover quickly when moved into fresh air. At moderate levels it can be several hours before the employee starts to feel better. If an employee is exposed to a high level of CO they may not be able to move themselves, so the exposure can lead to severe consequences or even be fatal. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is very real, but it is also something that you can prevent with proper training. When buying any equipment run by propane, make sure you buy the piece from a reputable manufacturer and make sure the equipment is maintained regularly by a trained technician. Never use propane powered equipment in tight, confined spaces. Good ventilation is a must when running propane powered cleaning equipment. Train your employees to pay attention to how they are feeling when running the equipment. If an employee begins to feel dizzy or starts getting a headache, he or she should stop immediately and go out into the fresh air. Carbon monoxide is one of the most toxic substances your employees will come in contact with. By keeping equipment in proper running condition and making sure your employees understand the problems with CO poisoning, you can keep a building's floors looking great while reducing the potential risks posed by carbon monoxide. Copyright (c) The Janitorial Store (TM)
Article Source: http://www.cleaningarticles.com
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