As we “spring forward” this weekend for daylight savings, it’s the perfect time to also check your smoke alarm batteries. In farm-provided employee housing, safety is a top priority and ensuring smoke alarms are working properly can make all the difference in an emergency. Don’t wait—take a few extra minutes to change those batteries and protect your families and coworkers year-round. 

The following information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements: 

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. 

• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. 

• When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Change your clocks, change your batteries appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Every year in the United States hundreds of people perish, and tens of thousands are treated in emergency rooms for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. In recent weeks, there have been reports both locally and nationally where carbon monoxide poisoning has been the cause for tragedies that could have been avoided with awareness, and preparation.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas released from incomplete combustion of fuels from man-made sources, such as vehicle engines, and from natural occurrences such as forest and brush fires. It is nearly undetectable by humans because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Dangers

Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, prevents oxygen from attaching to the blood, and disrupts the release of oxygen already in the blood, preventing oxygen from entering tissues. This severely effects the organs that need oxygen the most like our brains and hearts. Immediate medical treatment is critical. Even low doses of carbon monoxide over a period of time will produce symptoms that mimic a cold or flulike symptoms.  If you feel better once you are away from the enclosed area (home or workspace) carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered.

If you witness someone suffering from any of these symptoms, CALL 911, and use extreme caution so you too do not become a victim.

• Altered level of consciousness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Impaired judgement
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures

Sources

• Machinery and vehicles with engines.
• Fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.
• Gas, oil, and propane fired space heaters.

Prevention

• Proper ventilation when using carbon monoxide producing appliances.
• Never use cooking ovens or stovetops for home heating.
• Have all heating systems and chimneys inspected and serviced annually.
• Follow instructions and warnings for indoor heaters.
• Do not run engines in a building without proper ventilation.

Detection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends carbon monoxide detectors be installed:

• On every occupiable floor including the basement
• In each bedroom, or outside the bedroom but within 15 feet of the bedroom door.
• In every bedroom that contains a fuel burning appliance (fireplace, gas fired heater, etc.)
• At a height of at least five feet from the ground or floor level
• Always check for additional local requirements.

It is up to you to make carbon monoxide safety a priority – awareness and preparedness are the best defense against tragedy. Act now to ensure your family and employees are safe from this terrible threat.

Print these safety sheets from NFPA to increase awareness on your farm:

English

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – English

Spanish

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – Spanish

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.