CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURES FROM PROPANE-POWERED FLOOR BURNISHERS FOLLOWING ADDITION OF EMISSIONS CONTROLS

Abstract Previous published work by this author suggests that propane-powered floor burnisher use represents a potentially serious health hazard from carbon monoxide exposures, particularly for susceptible individuals. This earlier study, which assessed custodians' exposures to carbon monoxide during burnisher use, was repeated using burnishers retrofitted with emission controls consisting of self-aspirating catalytic mufflers and computerized air/fuel monitors and alarms. Realtime carbon monoxide detectors with datalogging capabilities were placed on the burnishers in the breathing zones of operators during burnisher use. Carbon monoxide levels were recorded every 30 seconds. Ventilation and physical characteristics of the spaces of burnisher use were characterized, as were burnisher maintenance practices. Thirteen burnishing events were monitored under conditions comparable to previously published monitoring. All carbon monoxide exposures were well below even the most conservative recommended limits fro...