WorkSafe issues safety alert after two workers suffer carbon monoxide poisoning in cool room

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NT WorkSafe issues safety alert after two workers suffer carbon monoxide poisoning in cool room incidents linked to fuel-powered forklifts operating in confined spaces. The regulator is warning about hazardous risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when using fuel-powered (petrol/LPG/Diesel) forklifts in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

This safety alert follows two workers suffering carbon monoxide poisoning while working in a cool room, highlighting serious health risks tied to enclosed space operations. Staff were using an LPG fuelled forklift inside the cool room at the time of the incident.

What Happened in This Carbon Monoxide Leak Incident

Two workers suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after an LPG fuelled forklift was operated within a poorly ventilated cool room. Prolonged exposure in an enclosed space, combined with insufficient airflow, created hazardous conditions that placed both workers' health at serious risk.

This incident echoes similar warnings issued by other regulators — SafeWork SA recently issued a comparable alert regarding carbon monoxide risks in confined work areas.

Workplace Exposure Standards for Carbon Monoxide

Under work health and safety laws, employers must limit worker exposure to carbon monoxide. WorkSafe states that the workplace exposure standard for carbon monoxide sits at 30 ppm averaged over eight hours.

Meeting this standard requires careful monitoring, especially in cool rooms and other enclosed spaces where fuel-powered equipment operates. Employers carry a duty of care to protect staff from hazardous atmospheric conditions that could compromise health and safety outcomes.

Contributing Factors Identified by WorkSafe

WorkSafe lists several possible contributing factors behind this carbon monoxide leak, including:

• A poorly ventilated cool room lacking adequate air exchange
• Carbon monoxide produced directly by the forklift's engine
• Extended working hours spent inside the confined cool room

These factors combined to create a hazardous working environment, underscoring why fuel-powered forklifts should not be used in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation controls in place.

Reducing Risk in Cool Rooms and Enclosed Spaces

Businesses operating cool rooms should review ventilation systems, electrical equipment alternatives, and chemical exposure controls to minimise risk to workers. Switching to electrical forklifts rather than fuel-powered alternatives significantly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in enclosed spaces.

Where electrical equipment isn't practical, robust ventilation and continuous carbon monoxide monitoring become essential safeguards. Reviewing chemical and electrical hazards alongside gas-related risks helps businesses build a more comprehensive approach to workplace health protections.

Organisations managing cool room construction or repair projects should also consult relevant safe work method statements, such as the Cool Room Construction SWMS or the Cool Room Repair SWMS, to ensure hazardous exposures are addressed at every stage of works.

Similar Safety Alerts From Other Regulators

This isn't the first carbon monoxide-related warning issued by an Australian safety regulator. NT WorkSafe previously issued a heatwave warning after two workers suffered heat illnesses, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to protecting worker health across varied hazardous conditions.

Additionally, WorkSafe New Zealand issued a safety alert after a hot work incident, reinforcing that enclosed space hazards remain a consistent concern across multiple jurisdictions and industries.

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Fuel-powered forklifts should not be used inside cool rooms or other enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation
• Employers must maintain carbon monoxide exposure below 30 ppm averaged over eight hours
• Regular risk assessments should account for chemical, electrical and gas-related hazards specific to enclosed work areas
• Businesses should consider electrical alternatives to fuel-powered equipment wherever feasible

Employers seeking further guidance on managing workplace risks, including chemical and electrical hazards common in confined spaces, can review supporting resources through SafetyDocs support services or explore safety software solutions designed to strengthen health and safety compliance.

For more information, go to the NT WorkSafe website.

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