Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Work: Get Outside and Call 911
Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. A CO alarm or suspected exposure requires fresh air and emergency help even when there is no visible smoke or obvious equipment fault.
What to do
Leave and report
Follow the emergency plan, move people outside and call emergency services from safety. Explain that the event involves a CO alarm or suspected CO exposure, not simply a fire-panel beep.
Describe people who may be affected
Tell the dispatcher about symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, and where anyone missing was last seen. Do not re-enter for a rescue; emergency responders need that location information.
Do not dismiss a quiet detector
An alarm stopping does not provide permission to return. Do not remove its batteries or use a handheld reading as your own clearance decision.
Give responders existing equipment information
Report fuel-burning appliances, recent combustion-equipment service and any engine-powered equipment operated nearby. Provide known information without going back inside to collect labels.
Separate re-entry from equipment restart
Wait for emergency-service clearance. Equipment identified as a source must be assessed and serviced by qualified personnel before operation. Document restrictions and pass them to every affected shift.
When to stop and hand it off
Tools and preparation
- Site emergency contact sheet
- Current floor plans
Bring only what the task and your training require. Follow the exact equipment instructions and site procedures. A listed tool does not authorize work on a hazardous or regulated system.
Leave a useful maintenance record
Record the exact location, observed condition, time, actions taken, person contacted and follow-up owner. Keep unresolved items visible. A completed checklist means the check was performed; it does not automatically mean the equipment passed or is safe.
References and further reading
These references support the safety principles above. Use the installed equipment manual and your site plan for equipment-specific procedures.
Related guides
General educational guidance for commercial-facility staff. Manufacturer instructions, site procedures, applicable requirements and trade qualifications take priority.