Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:47:15 EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: ACTSNYC**At_Symbol_Here**CS.COM
Subject: Re: CO Monitor Video

Bless your heart, Frank.  That's really needed.  When all else fails, we have used the type of household monitor that will register the highest ppm reading attained between settings and then instruct our workers to test and reset every 30 minute to 1 hour.  We do this whenever we can't get those bums to stop using fuel-burning lifts and cranes in an indoor movie location. As soon as we see a peak exposure of 35 ppm, I send my guys packing.  That's way below the OSHA 8 hour 35 ppm standard and not very defensible since we don't know what the average would be over time.  I don't care.  Outa there!  You want the work done? Get electric lifts or get lost.

There is also a monitor sold to airplane pilots that will register and alarm at 9 ppm after a matter of minutes, at 16 ppm with a stronger alarm, and a really annoying alarm somewhere above that.

But of course, the best ones are the continuous reading ones.  I specify these for ceramic kiln rooms, glass blowing facilities, etc.

I have a data sheet prepared for our workers that compare the EPA, OSHA, and other standards and also tell the dumb UL history of how a perfectly good CO monitor alarming at a reasonable level was screwed up by deciding that eliminating annoying calls to fire fighters was more important than people's health.  They should have kept the original UL standard for CO monitors and had the firefighters engage in a little public education. 

The simple fact is the CO detectors today will alarm in time to save you life, but not your health.

Monona



In a message dated 1/26/2011 3:16:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, demer**At_Symbol_Here**EMAIL.ARIZONA.EDU writes:



We produced a low budget video on Why Residential Carbon Monoxide Monitors Don't Belong in the Workplace? (Windows Media, Quicktime formats) to try and dispel some of the misconceptions researchers have about the devices.  Maybe you all might find it useful.



Frank R. Demer, MS, CIH, CSP

Health Safety Officer

University of Arizona

Department of Risk Management &Safety



Phone:  520.621.3585

Fax:  520.621.3706

Email:  demer**At_Symbol_Here**email.arizona.edu

Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 210300, Tucson, AZ  85721-0300

Street Address:  220 W. 6th St., Tucson, AZ 85701

Web Address:  risk.arizona.edu

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