Company launches tips in conjunction with exhibiting its safety products, services and expertise at the 2011 National Safety Council Congress & Expo
PHILIDELPHIA (October 31, 2011) – A Center for Disease Control report indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning not linked to fires kills about 500 Americans and poisons at least 15,000 each year. CO is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and inhibits the bloods ability to carry oxygen, leading to a potentially fatal condition called carbon monoxide poisoning. As cold weather takes hold across the country, Grainger, North America’s largest distributor of safety products, launches tips during the 2011 National Safety Council Congress & Expo for businesses and individuals to consider before firing up the furnace:
• Install CO monitors at work and home. Suggested locations are in each bedroom and living level of a home.
• Check the expiration dates of your CO monitors. The average life is approximately 5-7 years before the sensor will fail.
• Check gas appliances periodically for proper operation and venting.
• Ensure chimneys, flues and vents are clear of debris.
• Do not use unvented gas and wood stoves or charcoal grills indoors.
• Do not permit automobiles or other gas-powered equipment to run indoors without proper exhaust ventilation.
• Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house or business facility, even if you leave the door open.
• Symptoms of low-level CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, weakness, dizziness and confusion. If you suspect you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.
“Providing a safe working environment for employees is critical in managing a successful organization,” said Jeff Weaver, Safety Strategy Manager, Grainger. “As North America’s largest distributor of safety products and solutions, Grainger is committed to safety education and prevention, recognizing that safe and healthy employees help contribute to a productive business.”
Today at the National Safety Council Congress & Expo, taking place through November 4, Grainger also began showcasing products, services and expertise to help keep businesses and people safe. Grainger’s booth #2021 highlights include:
• Safety Products – With more than 50,000 products that safety professionals need, Grainger’s breadth of products and services help customers realize savings by working with a partner that serves as a single source for safety and other maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies. Grainger’s broad product line includes items to help with everything from employee safety to environmental safety.
• New Safety Catalog – Grainger’s safety catalog has more than 33,000 products organized in more than 30 different safety categories such as personal protective equipment, first aid, workplace safety, and traffic safety. The catalog also features helpful safety tips and information to help businesses keep their people and facilities safe. Copies of the catalog will be available at the booth. For an electronic copy of the catalog, visit: www.grainger.com/safety.
• Grainger Online SafetyManagerSM– Grainger will conduct live demonstrations of its online management tool that helps businesses manage safety and risk more efficiently and cost effectively, helping to reduce injuries, accidents and exposure to regulatory fines. For more information, visit www.grainger.com/safetymanager.
• Inventory Management Solutions – Grainger's KeepStock® program helps organizations better manage their product inventory including safety through increasing productivity and reducing handling costs. The booth will feature one of the many solutions Grainger offers, a KeepStock Secure machine, one of the most relevant solutions to manage safety inventory. For more information, visit www.grainger.com/inventory.
For more information about carbon monoxide education and prevention, visit the Center for Disease Control.
For more information about the safety solutions Grainger offers, visit booth #2021 at the 2011 National Safety Council Congress & Expo or go to www.grainger.com/safety
