SOP #28: Response to Incidents with Carbon Monoxide

Question 1

What are the characteristics of Carbon monoxide?

Answer 1

oderless, tasteless
slightly lighter than air
highly toxic
incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons

Question 2

What are typical incidents of carbon monoxide?

Answer 2

malfunctioning heating equipment
improper ventilation of exhaust or flue pipes

Question 3

Carbon Monoxide at _________ levels are considered dangerous to life & health?

Answer 3

1500 ppm

Question 4

Concentrations of (CO) above _______ (___ in air) can be lethal?

Answer 4

50,000 ppm; 5% in air

Question 5

Concentration levels above what level are able to produce symptons if exposed for extended period of time?

Answer 5

50 ppm

Question 6

What is the max concentration to which an employee may be exposed to in an 8 hr work day?

Answer 6

35 ppm

Question 7

What are some symptoms patient may complain of?

Answer 7

headaches, dizziness, agitation, stupor, seizure, coma (these are most common)
may expierence impared judgement

Question 8

When CO levels are in excess of _____ SCBA shall be worn?

Answer 8

35 ppm

Question 9

Upon arrival at a scene of CO determination must be made to?

Answer 9

Whether to ventilate or wait for CMDE.
-generally wait until arrival of CMDE
- if ventilating shut off
- boiler - heating units - gas cooking equipment
- hot water heater - liquid or gas space heaters

Question 10

CO readings shall be recorded by _____ on ________ and forwarded to ________?

Answer 10

first arriving company; CO Recording Form ; Safety operations battalion

Question 11

Before ventilation is performed or appliances shut off, what shall be determined?

Answer 11

Highest CO concentration and source