Following a recent fatal accident, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) is issuing an urgent alert to all workers, and others, on the inherent toxic dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning associated with Wood Pellets.
Wood Pellets may look harmless, however even when transported or stored in normal conditions, Wood Wood Pellets PicturePellets can emit Carbon Monoxide. Unnoticed, the Carbon Monoxide can quickly build up to toxic levels.
Carbon Monoxide will be present wherever Wood Pellets are transported and stored. Workers must be informed of the significant risk and dangers of carbon monoxide exposure associated with Wood Pellets.
Employers must identify such hazards in their workplace and produce written risk assessments and ensure arrangements are in place to ensure safety of employees.
Employers should:
1. IDENTIFY where wood pellets are stored (even if only for a short period of time).
2. ERECT and maintain asphyxiation warning signs.
3. PREVENT un-authorised access.
4. PREPARE & implement safe systems of work based on written risk assessment(s)
Employees should:
1. ALWAYS Assume Carbon Monoxide is present in areas where Wood Pellets are stored
2. NOT ENTER or place their head into a wood pellet storage unit/tank/vessel, even for a very short period of time without necessary precautions.
3. NOT ENTER storage unit/tank/vessel unless fully trained and competent in confined space entry.
4. TAKE extreme care during maintenance, especially when blockages happen, or when low levels of pellets occur.
5. KNOW that the presence of Carbon Monoxide cannot be determined without specialist equipment.
Wood Pellet storage tanks may also contain augers/screw feeds. Contact with these devices may result in serious injury
