Construction workers are faced with a variety of jobsite hazards daily and while wiring, heavy machinery, and ladders and scaffolds may come to mind first, indoor air quality is just as important.

Now more than ever, construction workers are paying closer attention to indoor air quality on the jobsite as it can have a significant impact on their comfort, productivity and health. Poor indoor air quality can lead to sick employees, absenteeism and decreased productivity. Notably, the American Lung Association says U.S. adults miss approximately 14.5 million workdays due to asthma.

The type of materials and equipment being used onsite can dramatically impact the quality of the air and, subsequently, employees’ health. Using clean, safe energy sources—like propane—can help construction crews support healthy air quality.

Why propane?

Propane is an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990 and can offer a safe alternative to gasoline- and diesel-powered small-engine jobsite applications that are often the culprit to employees getting sick and exposing them to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Propane produces fewer greenhouse gas and carbon monoxide emissions than gasoline and diesel equipment, making it safer to operate in properly ventilated indoor spaces. Well-maintained propane engines meet or exceed nationwide indoor air quality standards, whereas gasoline and diesel equipment can produce a variety of harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Most notably, propane-powered small-engine jobsite applications can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by up to 50% compared with gasoline-fueled models, according to data from the Propane Education and Research Council. Further, propane equipment reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 17% and sulfur oxide emissions by up to 16 percent compared with gasoline. Additionally, propane equipment emits fewer total nitrogen oxide emissions than equipment powered by electricity, gasoline and diesel.

How can crews stay safe and prevent CO poisoning?

Beyond being mindful of the energy sources being used on construction sites, there are several steps crews can take to remain healthy and productive. This is especially important this time of year, as workers bring equipment indoors during colder months. Conducting regular safety meetings is a great way to keep crews informed, make note of potential hazards, and educate them on the proper precautions to take.

Here are a few tips for crews to brush up on this winter.

• Crews should wear the proper PPE and safety gear, including multi-gas monitors. These small, portable monitors—which can clip onto work belts—detect poisonous gases and alert workers.
• Install CO detectors. Almost all new propane-powered indoor use equipment is required to have CO detectors onboard.
• Never use gas-powered equipment or generators in enclosed spaces or areas where there is little to no ventilation. Additionally, crews should leave windows and doors open when using these materials. Industrial-sized fans should be used in areas where openings to the outdoors aren’t available.
• Keep fuel-burning appliances and engines properly vented. Businesses should ask their utility company about yearly checkups for all gas appliances.
• Know how to respond in the event of an emergency. If an employee thinks they or someone else has CO poisoning, they should shut off equipment, get into fresh air, and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Propane can power a variety of light construction equipment including jobsite heaters, mobile light towers, portable generators, power buggies, scissor lifts, concrete grinders and polishers, power concrete trowels, forklifts, and more—and can do so with fewer emissions than other energy sources.