Recent incidents show a range of effects caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in a variety of work settings with exposures occurring when operating LPG powered floor cleaning equipment such as a floor burnisher.
In May 2017, Work Cover Victoria issued a warning to employers, highlighting the risks of employees being overexposed to carbon monoxide when operating LPG powered floor cleaning equipment such as a floor burnisher or buffer.
The warning followed an incident in Victoria where a cleaner operating a LPG powered burnisher was found unconscious due to suspected excessive exposure to carbon monoxide.
Polivac International’s latest propane gas system , Closed Loop Engine Emissions technology, ensures worker health and safety when handling gas-powered floor cleaning equipment.
This new technology is fitted on Polivac International’s fleet of propane machines. The system monitors the pressure between the air filter and the carburetor and reduces the fuel delivered to the engine when the pressure decreases and inhibits the machine from exposing operator to high levels of the dangerous gases.
In order to avoid these work place incidences in the future, contract owners need to ensure all operators are well trained to operate, and to recognise if a piece of equipment needs servicing.
Hazard identification and equipment competency assessments can be downloaded from Polivac International’s website www.polivac.com.au.
These assessments provide everything you need to maximise the performance of your equipment, reduce costly downtime, improve safety in your workplace, enhance operator performance and much more.
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au.
