- Protecting Your Workplace
The Critical Role of Catalytic Converters in Combating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Understanding the danger of Carbon Monoxide in the workplace
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of fatal air poisoning worldwide. This invisible threat—colorless, odorless, and tasteless—can have devastating effects on health. CO binds with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, which displaces the oxygen in hemoglobin, rendering it incapable of delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues. Even low concentrations of CO, as low as 667 ppm, can result in severe poisoning, leading to seizures, coma, or even death.
In the workplace, CO exposure is particularly concerning. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set exposure limits at 50 ppm over an eight-hour workday to minimize risk. However, in industries that rely on diesel-powered equipment, such as forklifts, buses, and maritime operations, CO levels can easily exceed safe limits, posing a significant health risk to workers.
The role of Catalytic Converters (Diesel Oxidation Catalysts) in reducing CO exposure
Catalytic converters, specifically Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs), are essential in mitigating the risk of CO poisoning in workplaces that utilize diesel engines. John Ratcliffe offers advanced solutions to reduce diesel particulate matter and CO emissions at the source, ensuring a safer work environment.
The diesel purifier begins to work at exhaust temperatures of around 120°C, quickly ramping up in efficiency. At 230°C, it eliminates over 80% of carbon monoxide, and at 300°C, it removes over 90% of both CO and hydrocarbons. These reductions are critical in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, as CO levels are brought down significantly.
For example, a typical diesel-powered forklift at full load might produce nearly 3000 ppm of CO. With a purifier installed, this level can be reduced to around 270 ppm—a reduction of over 90%. This dramatic decrease not only protects workers from the dangers of CO but also improves overall workplace productivity by reducing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and fatigue that can impair concentration and performance.
Why choose John Ratcliffe for your Catalytic Converter needs?
At John Ratcliffe, we understand the importance of reliable, high-performance catalytic converters in maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. Our purifiers are designed to meet the specific needs of your diesel-powered equipment, with over 400 different configurations available to suit virtually every forklift, bus, and maritime engine on the market.
Each purifier features a high-quality stainless-steel case containing a ceramic honeycomb, which supports a platinum-based catalyst. This design maximizes the surface area for the catalyst to react with exhaust gases, converting harmful CO into harmless carbon dioxide and water. The honeycomb structure also ensures that engine efficiency is not compromised, maintaining optimal performance.
Our purifiers are built to withstand the demands of heavy-duty industrial use, with resistance to vibration and a compact design that fits seamlessly into small engine compartments. With a typical lifespan of 5,000 to 8,000 hours, our catalytic converters are a long-term solution for reducing CO emissions and protecting your workforce.
Invest in Workplace Safety with John Ratcliffe Catalytic Converters
Choosing the right catalytic converter is crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. John Ratcliffe offers expert guidance in selecting the right Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Catalytic Converter system for your engines, ensuring that you meet regulatory standards and protect your employees from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
By investing in catalytic converters, you’re not only safeguarding your workers but also enhancing the efficiency and longevity of your equipment.
Contact us to learn more about our advanced systems and how we can help you create a safer, healthier workplace.
