Carbon monoxide monitors should be considered where CO is present.  CO is a toxic, colourless, odourless and tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide is also classified as a flammable gas. Therefore flammable (LEL) monitoring should be also be considered. For more information please see LELSAFE- flammable (LEL) & GAS SAFE - multi gas systems.

At brief exposure to CO symptoms of headaches, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, alteration in consciousness and subjective weakness have been reported. Exposure to higher amounts may cause problems with movement, weakness, confusion, lung, heart problems and even loss of consciousness leading to death. Following exposure symptoms can be develop and remain for up to 40 days following. 

To determine if you need carbon monoxide monitoring, a risk assessment of the area and activities should be carried out. If the risk assessment identifies that long term workplace exposure limit (20ppm for 8 hours*) or short-term workplace exposure limit (100ppm for 15 minutes*) are calculated, you require a carbon monoxide monitor. However, a required risk assessment often does not cover specific areas where a leak may occur (such as directly next to CO storage tank) and even in situations in which carbon monoxide concentration does not reach life-threatening levels, the effect of CO levels on the health of working personnel is still a major health and safety concern.

*Health and Safety Executive, EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits (Fourth Edition 2020) retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/eh40.pdf