VHS English Version Product Number: 1018GEVHS
DVD English Version Product Number: 1018GEDVD
VHS Spanish Version Product Number: 1018GSVHS
DVD Spanish Version Product Number: 1018GSDVD
Length of Video(in Minutes): 60
Publisher: Digitial-2000, Inc.
Description: The new OSHA rules require that forklift operators be training in site specific hazards to which they may be exposed. We have developed with program to help meet the following requirements with complete video programs on these topics: carbon monoxide poisoning, electric pallet jacks, battery charging, pedestrians and forklifts, propane safety, and walkie stackers. If your organization does not use pallet jacks or walkie stackers, then these modules need not be used.
Excerpt: Carbon monoxide. It is a gas that can’t be smelled, tasted,or seen, and virtually all industries count carbon monoxide among theirpotential hazards. It may arise unexpectedly as the result of incompletecombustion of carbonaceous material, or carbon monoxide, abbreviated as CO, maybe generated as a normally occurring byproduct of decomposition. The incidenceof carbon monoxide poisoning is unusually high in automobile maintenancegarages, foundries, blast furnaces, and certain chemical processes where it isused as a base chemical or generated as a waste product. CO is also a threat innon-industrial settings. For example, many people have died when exposed tohigh concentrations of carbon monoxide gas from automobile exhaust, and fromusing kerosene and wood burning stoves in poorly ventilated rooms. In fact, COis one of the most common chemical killers both in industry, and in the home.As early as 1970 it was estimated by the national safety council that 1600people died from CO poisoning, and at least 10,000 others suffer each year fromexposure to the debilitating effects of CO. Many cases, both fatal andnon-fatal, remain unreported or incorrectly diagnosed. Symptoms of CO poisoningmay easily confused with the onset of the cold, flu, or other common disorders.In addition, CO aggravates other conditions such as heart or respiratoryproblems. One of the reasons why CO is such a severe hazard is that, next tocarbon dioxide, it is the single most frequently encountered contaminant inpolluted atmospheres. The chemical characteristics of CO also contributegreatly to its potentially lethal effects. By itself carbon monoxide is notdetectable, by sight or smell, since it has neither color nor odor. Often thephysical symptoms of CO are barely noticed by the victim, and by the time thesymptoms become pronounced the victim is not able to recognize the danger or toform coherent plans for escape. An uncalculated danger is a situation in whichthe amount of CO produced is generally negligible. Small amounts of CO canbuild up to a harmful level in a situation generally not recognized as apotential danger such as warehouses on extremely cold days where doors are keptclosed, and gas forklifts are used. Extra caution must be exercised to monitorthe amount of CO that is being generated and the adequacy of the ventilation tocope with that level.
Not only must people be able to recognize operationswhich produce CO, they must be able to identify symptoms of CO poisoning totake appropriate action. CO enters the body through the respiratory system,interfering with the assimilation and the ultimate use of oxygen by the body.Primarily, CO affects the central nervous and the cardiovascular systems. Thecentral nervous system is affected mainly in acute exposures. Thecardiovascular system in chronic exposures.
The brain is the first organaffected by CO exposures, usually in the form of a headache. Increased exposurecan cause dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness. If the exposure is not toogreat complete recovery can be expected. Also, as the exposure becomesincreasingly severe, the brain becomes incapable of monitoring the body’sfunctions, resulting in death. There is a zone of exposure between these twoextremes, in which death will not result, but which permanent cell destructionis certain. This cell destruction may manifest itself in the form of permanentpsychosis, paralysis, cardiac disturbance, loss of mental powers, or loss ofvision. Two stages of acute poisoning have been identified. The first includespressure in the head, a band-like constriction, or throbbing, weak-knees,confusion, headache, roaring in the ears, and nausea. In the second stage theweakness and the confusion increase. The victim becomes incapable of thinkingclearly, or in making decisions, and acting on them. Even if an escape route isavailable and obvious, the victim becomes unable to take it. As the headacheand dizziness worsen a drunken-like stupor takes over so that the victimbecomes soothed, drowsy and indifferent to danger. Advanced symptoms of CO’sacute affect on the central nervous system are the legs begin to feel veryheavy. Loss of consciousness, vomiting, and sometimes general muscularcontractions follow shortly thereafter.