What do you see in this picture that could be dangerous if you were working in this space, particularly if you were alone?

There are several unsafe conditions in this image that could be harmful to any worker, but especially a lone worker.

1. The “fog” of an unknown origin settling in over the area. Is it smoke from a fire? Exhaust from a vehicle? Vapor from an accidental chemical reaction of two spilled materials?

• If you were alone in here and the “fog” started to appear, what would you do? Continue to work? Try and find the source? Open a window?

2. The propane-powered forklift could also cause a hazardous atmosphere – one that’s not visible like the “fog”. If you were working alone operating the lift or repairing the lift while it was running (not the best idea in most circumstances) there’s a chance you could be overcome by carbon monoxide before you realized what was happening.

• Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm, but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain.
• As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue, and nausea.
• At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

What other potential hazards do you see? What procedures are in place to protect you and others who work alone, in remote locations off-site, or in out-of-the-way spots on-site?