Request for Assistance in...Controlling Carbon Monoxide Hazard in Aircraft Refueling OperationsNIOSH ALERT: February 14, 1984 |
Investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an evaluation of the occupational health hazards to workers who fuel jet aircraft. During the investigation, we learned that two workers had died in or near their refueling vehicles. Although carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning was not suspected at the time of the deaths, a combination of the unusual location of the engine exhaust (under the front bumper), the deterioration of rubber seals (boots) around the gear shift lever and the pedals, and the fact that the workers spend a considerable amount of time sitting in idling vehicles (especially during poor weather), led us to measure CO levels in the truck cabs. Dangerous concentrations of CO were found. The company involved instituted maintenance procedures and work practice rules requiring that the windows be kept open whenever the truck is occupied. However, recent spot checks suggest that many operators of airport refueling services are unaware of the risk, and therefore have not taken precautions to prevent dangerous concentrations of CO.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues. Symptoms of acute CO poisoning include headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, weakness, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, and discoloration of the lips or nail beds. If the exposure level is high, loss of consciousness may occur without other symptoms. Death may result from depression of the functions of the brain, or if there is underlying coronary artery disease, from heart attack. Because CO remains in the blood for several days, there may be a gradual increase in body levels of CO over the course of a work week. Effects of chronic exposure are not completely known.
The combination of methods used to control CO exposure may vary from one location to another, and care must be taken to assure that the principles and laws of fire safety are not violated; some recommendations by NIOSH for controlling dangers of CO are listed below.
We are requesting the assistance of airport managers and editors of appropriate trade journals in bringing this information to the attention of fueling service operators. Oil companies may, through their routine inspection services provided to operators, be especially effective in controlling the risk.
Suggestions, requests for information on control practices, or questions related to this announcement, should be directed to the Division of Standards Development and Technology Transfer, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, telephone (513) 684-8302.
We greatly appreciate your assistance.
[signature] J. Donald Millar, M.D., D.T.P.H. (Lond.) Assistant Surgeon General Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control |