What You Need to Know About Forklift Emissions Testing

Forklift emissions testing is essential for all gas-powered forklifts that are operating indoors, as the forklifts produce carbon monoxide.

It is imperative to have your forklifts on a routine maintenance and emissions testing schedule to protect your employee’s health. This is especially important as the cold winter months come, and your facility is buttoned up to keep the cold weather out. Schedule your test today.
 

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas emitted by gas-powered devices, including forklift internal combustion engines. As a result of its nonexistent odor and colorless makeup, CO is nearly impossible to detect, yet can cause a number of negative side effects.

The Dangerous Side Effects

In low concentrations, CO can cause noticeable fatigue in healthy individuals, and chest pain in those already suffering from a heart condition. With the long, cold months ahead, many will struggle to properly ventilate their warehouse facility, leaving warehouse personnel at risk for carbon monoxide exposure.

As CO concentrations advance in your warehouse, exposed personnel may begin to experience:

• Impaired vision
• Reduced brain function
• Headaches
• Poor coordination
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea

Prolonged exposure to a high concentration can be fatal as it latches to blood cells before they can be oxygenated, thus depriving the brain of vital oxygen. These detrimental side effects are what makeup carbon monoxide poisoning.  

If detected early on, carbon monoxide poisoning can be reversed, however, there is still the risk of permanent damage due to loss of oxygen.

Aged and out-of-tune internal combustion forklifts can emit heightened levels of carbon monoxide, exposing operators to these silent but deadly toxins. If you suspect that your forklift is producing CO, you should immediately pull the forklift for emissions testing.


Ready to take action? Get ahead of the game and schedule your emissions testing today.