Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer, making it one of the most dangerous threats on the construction site. CO is odorless, meaning that whether it’s present on its own or among other “regular” gases and smells, it’s utterly undetectable.

Within minutes of inhaling carbon monoxide, you can become unconscious and suffocate. Construction workers and welders are especially at risk. There is an increased risk of CO exposure in boiler rooms, warehouses, petroleum refineries, and steel production plants.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is constantly stressing the importance of appropriate prevention methods against CO poisoning, since it can threaten the lives of countless workers on a construction site without any notice.

Construction workers should take the following precautions and make note of these potential CO hazards.