“An official from Lansing Fire Department said workers had been using gas-powered power washers in the basement of the building, causing dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in the building.”
“Two men were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning near Spicer Wednesday. At 1:20 p.m. fire and ambulance crews were called to a home on Indian Beach Road, where two men had passed out while doing concrete work in the basement of the home…”
Fourteen people in New Haven were hospitalized Wednesday for carbon monoxide poisoning.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said a person was found unconscious on the street in the area of 73 Howe St. They were taken to a local hospital, where medical personnel determined they were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Officials went to the scene and learned that the high levels of carbon monoxide were coming from a construction site at a Yale-owned building where crews were sawing a concrete floor using a propane saw. Fire officials said the building had inadequate ventilation for the tools used.
“Typically, when you use such equipment, you’ll have carbon monoxide monitoring and good ventilation,” Elicker said. “There was no carbon monoxide monitoring going on on-site.”
New Haven Fire Battalion Chief Greg Carroll said, “Some of our meters went into overload” when firefighters first arrived.
“It was about 350-400 parts per million, which are dangerous levels, so we quickly went through the building and evacuated it,” Carroll said.
Elicker said ten construction workers and four employees at Yale’s campus security office next door had been taken to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning.
The person who was found unconscious was transferred to a hospital in New York for further treatment and is in critical condition. The other 13 are said to be in stable condition.
According to a construction official, carbon monoxide levels in the area have decreased.
In a statement to News 8, a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had opened an inspection of Alberca Construction Company LLC following the hospitalizations.
“During the inspection, OSHA will gather whatever information is necessary to determine what happened and if the employer is in compliance with OSHA standards,” the spokesperson said. “If the inspection identifies violations, OSHA could issue citations and propose penalties for the employer.”
OSHA has up to six months to complete the inspection.
New Haven Fire Chief John Alston said the incident reminds companies and residents to use carbon monoxide detectors.
“As we hit this cold snap, I know the mayor has been having our cold emergency meetings just to advise people to be very careful when you’re sealing up your houses and turning on these heating systems to make sure you have a CO detector.”
The city has issued a work stoppage order for the construction site as officials continue investigating.
NEVER run a gas powered generator inside your home or other enclosed space – they produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. Always have a battery powered CO alarm nearby when a generator is running.
“Because the apartment building had lost power, crews determined the family had been running a generator indoors and cooking inside the apartment with a propane camp stove.”
Union County emergency personnel were called to 2158 Sharps Chapel Road on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, around 3:20 P.M. for three people suffering from what was described as possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Volunteer firefighters from Sharps Chapel Fire Department responded to assist Union County EMS at Alpes Sanfer, Inc. after a call was placed to 911. At the time of dispatch, emergency personnel were told that everyone was out of the building in question.
Responding firefighters found that to be untrue. When they arrived on the scene, firefighters saw 12-15 individuals in a panic, running in different directions. There are multiple buildings on the site including several barns that are large enough to house up to 9,000 chickens. The site is described as a small city that is extremely muddy due to the continued construction.
Two employees were inside one of the barns and according to the report, were alert but experiencing dizziness. It is unclear if any of the three affected employees lost consciousness. The fire department was told that employees were using a gasoline powered pressure washer inside the barn without proper ventilation where the incident occurred. Fortunately, the barn had been ventilated as firefighters arrived on the scene.
The three employees were transported with lights and sirens activated to Claiborne County Hospital with classic carbon monoxide symptoms. A supervisor accompanied them to the hospital for translation purposes.
DRAPER, Utah — Fire crews evacuated dozens of toddlers at the American Preparatory Academy in Draper Wednesday after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected.
At 3:15 p.m. fire crews arrived at the daycare after receiving reports of a possible natural gas leak. After detecting high levels of carbon monoxide inside the building, the school was ordered to be evacuated.
By the time they arrived, there were five students and five adults occupying the building. They all had noted possible symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure including headaches, nausea and vomiting.
According to American Preparatory Schools Executive Director Carolyn Sharette, it was at this time that staff immediately reported the incident.
“You can never be too careful when little kids are involved, obviously [we] don’t want anyone to be sick,” she said. “So, we’re really glad it was not as, not more serious.”
It is believed the source of the carbon monoxide originates from a gas-operated pressure washing system that was being operated on the outside of the building, where the carbon monoxide was able to enter the building from a door left open as well as an airway entrance on the rooftop.
A total of 45 toddlers and 10 adults were present on the school grounds while the power washing system may have been operated. None of the remaining people during the evacuation were transported to the hospital but were asked to transport themselves to a hospital to be examined for carbon monoxide exposure.
Officials say five children and four adults that were treated at the hospital are doing fine now, with the facility itself back up and running Thursday.
Officials are also asking anyone present at the school during this time to also be examined for carbon monoxide exposure.
Firefighters and multiple ambulances were called to a manufacturing facility on Vanguard Drive in Exeter Township Monday morning for a Carbon Monoxide Incident. According to initial reports, a chainsaw was being used inside the building. Four total patients were reported to be complaining of symptoms with one person initially described as unconscious.
This morning Southampton Fire responded to Red Rock Plaza for a report of multiple patients exposed to epoxy fumes. Crews on scene found it was carbon monoxide exposure from a propane powered floor grinder and due to the number of patients called a MPI/MCI (multiple patient/casualty incident) and requested multiple ambulances from surrounding towns, and immediately triaged all patients. No casualties or injuries on scene, patients were transported to Baystate Medical Center for evaluation due to the time of exposure to carbon monoxide and symtpoms of CO poisoning. 3 of the patients were reported to have more severe symptoms. Thank you to Easthampton Fire Department/Chief Norris, Northampton Fire Rescue, Westfield Fire Department, Action Ambulance Service Inc. , and Southampton Police Department-Massachusetts/Chief Illingsworth for your assistance on the call. Thank you to the Easthampton public safety dispatchers for handling and getting all the resources needed to help with this call.
“The affected students and adult had been in a classroom closest to an outside construction site on the school property. While heavy machinery was running outside, air conditioning was running inside the building, pulling outside air in…It’s likely that the carbon monoxide came from the operation of the heavy equipment.”
Source was a gas-powered pump being used inside the house
A worker lost his life after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside a home under construction in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) received an emergency call just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting their immediate response to the construction site. Upon entering the premises, paramedics’ carbon monoxide detectors sounded the alarm, indicating dangerous levels of 2,000 parts per million of the toxic gas inside the house.
Inside the home, the paramedics discovered an unresponsive worker who was being assisted by two bystanders providing medical care. Tragically, the worker could not be saved. Two of the responding paramedics and one of the bystanders were also affected by the toxic gas and required medical treatment.
In a press release, city officials revealed the cause of the carbon monoxide build-up was a gas-powered pump that was operational inside the house.
A spokesperson for the province tells CTV News Winnipeg “a stop-work order has been issued on the gas-powered equipment and WSH is continuing to follow up.”
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, making it extremely difficult to detect without specialized equipment like carbon monoxide detectors. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because exposure to high levels of this gas can lead to serious health issues and even fatalities. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, vision and hearing impairment, and shortness of breath.
The construction company involved in the incident, Artista Homes, was approached for comment by CTV News Winnipeg, but did not receive a response.
In the wake of this tragedy, authorities are urging all residents and businesses to take the necessary precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It is recommended to install carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of a building, especially in homes and workplaces where gas-powered equipment is utilized.
“…some of his kids got sick after a construction crane spent time parked in the driveway of the family’s home…’a reminder to all parents of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Reminder to go test your CO detectors.’”
“Firefighters determined a faulty propane-powered floor cleaner was the source of the gas. When turned on, the machine emitted carbon monoxide levels at 1400 parts per million. The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air is 9 parts per million. Average homes are between 0.5 and 5 parts per million.”
“At 12:29 p.m. the Wilmington Fire Department was alerted of a carbon monoxide alarm…”
“Responding units found carbon monoxide readings over 500 parts per million (ppm) in the structure…cause of the carbon monoxide was found to be a gas-powered pressure washer being operated in the basement.”
(Edgewood, NM) February 5th, 2023: The Edgewood Police Department is investigating the deaths of three teenagers found deceased in a garage in our jurisdiction. As of now there is no indication of foul play, it appears that the cause of death may be Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as a propane heater was found to be in use.
We are still attempting to notify families and loved ones and our investigation is still ongoing. More details will be provided as information unfolds.
We also are working with our local school district to provide chaplains and counseling to fellow students and families.
The Edgewood Police Department would like to stress to the community the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and the importance of having Carbon Monoxide detectors in homes and workspaces where heaters and appliances are in use. Carbon Monoxide is extremely dangerous, it cannot be seen, smelled, or heard.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the community.
“On Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shared the findings of an internal investigation related to the death of Walla Walla District employee Eric Engle, who was found dead inside the Dworshak Dam on the morning of June 30.
In a statement released on social media, Matt Rabe, Director of Public Affairs for the USACE Northwestern Division, said that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently met with the family Engle to share the findings of the internal investigation.
According to the statement, it was the determination of the investigating team that Engle’s death was not caused by the violation of any safety policies or practices. That statement can be read in full below.”
“Yesterday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met with the family of Eric Engle, the Walla Walla District Employee who passed away while on duty on June 29 at Dworshak Dam, to share with them the findings of our internal investigation. It was the determination of the investigating team that Mr. Engle’s death was not caused by the violation by USACE of any Army or USACE safety policies or practices. While we will never truly know exactly what happened, our teams will learn from this tragic incident and take steps to reduce the chances of happening to any other employee.”
“A total of five investigations ensued including the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office, Clearwater County Medical Examiner, Federal OSHA, USACE Safety Investigation Board and an investigation under Army Regulation 15-6.”
“The man, 59, had gone out to a maintenance shed a few hours earlier to do some work. When church staff went to check on him, they found him dead…There was a gas tank on an engine that was out of gas.”
“According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every year, workers die from CO poisoning, usually while using fuel-burning equipment and tools in buildings…
Portable CO detectors are a great choice when workers are in a place where CO is a possibility, but there aren’t any CO detectors available at the site.”
“Look for portable generators that shut off automatically when high levels of CO are present. Some models with CO shut-off also have reduced emissions. These models may or may not be advertised as certified to the latest safety standards for portable generators- PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 – which are estimated to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively.”
“Eric Engle, an Army veteran and employee of the Corps, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on June 29 while operating a gas-powered pressure washer in a tunnel at the dam. The Corps said this week Engle’s death has prompted five separate investigations.”
“A total of five investigations ensued including the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office, Clearwater County Medical Examiner, Federal OSHA, USACE Safety Investigation Board and an investigation under Army Regulation 15-6.”
OLEAN, NY — Washington West Elementary School was evacuated Wednesday after firefighters found two construction workers in “obvious distress with levels of carbon monoxide present in their blood,” according to a press release from the City of Olean Fire Department.
Firefighters responding to the scene determined that six people were suffering from carbon monoxide. Two were taken to Olean General Hospital; four were treated at the scene.
According to the press release, the incident was caused by propane powered construction equipment that was operated in an area with minimal ventilation.
“When the unresponsive employee woke up, they were tested for carbon monoxide. Due to the level being so high, they were flown to a hospital in Baltimore. The conditions of those involved are unknown at this time.
According to Chief Ulrich, the store was going through renovations overnight. The crew was using propane-powered construction equipment that was not proper for the environment…”
“Dozens of residents evacuated the building after receiving a notification from their carbon monoxide detectors or hearing about the leak from neighbors, but residents said they did not receive orders from The Statesman or fire officials to leave their apartments.“
“His death initially was believed to be the result of a heart attack. However, two weeks later, another worker at the company experienced carbon monoxide poisoning while performing similar tasks…”
Case report: 18MA022 Issued by: Massachusetts Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program Date of report: Aug. 13, 2021
“The plaintiffs are alleging gross negligence by three companies for a 2021 incident in which the improper use of welding equipment indoors exposed at least 20 people to toxic levels of carbon monoxide.”
“Workers had set up heaters inside and outside the building to deal with sub-zero temperatures. CFD says “several of those heaters malfunctioned,” pumping CO into the structure… They found a number of construction workers still on the job, unaware of what was happening… they detected levels at 540 parts per million…”
“A middle-aged male was brought into the emergency department for a legal lab draw of carboxyhemoglobin levels while in police custody…
First responders play a vital role in identifying potential carbon monoxide poisonings based on their observations of the scene. This case report highlights potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
“Police say they found the bodies of Steven Sikes, 33, Julie Crawford, 31, and their two infant boys, both 9-months-old, dead… the family was trying to keep the home warm with a kerosene heater, which led to carbon monoxide poisoning after the family fell asleep with it on…”
“Crews were called to the facility…due to a forklift malfunctioning inside the building, causing carbon monoxide levels to reach 500ppm…four people all got sick within a fifteen minute period…”
“Why was the situation in Texas so extreme? It likely was related…to a lack of government regulation…only three states (Hawaii, Missouri, and Texas) do not require installation of carbon monoxide alarms in residences.”
HOUSTON – Houstonians and others desperate to heat their homes without power poisoned themselves in record numbers on Tuesday by running cars or generators in the garage and grills in the home, emergency officials said.
If your power is out, don’t use fuel/gas/charcoal burning camping equipment inside your home (or your tent) and always have CO alarms with battery backup.
“…three adults and four children get transported to Salem Hospital….cooking with a propane cooker inside the house…those seven people were all unconscious when first responders arrived…the children were revived on the scene, but two of the three adults were in critical condition at last check.”
“A woman who was living at a homeless encampment set up in a private resident’s yard died Sunday morning from what the camp organizer believes was carbon monoxide poisoning she got after trying to keep her tent warm.”
A story with a happy ending thanks to CO alarms…source of CO was a gas powered wood-splitter being operated too close to the home.
The West Perth and Perth East fire departments are reminding residents that carbon monoxide detectors save lives after a Perth East family narrowly escaped a potentially deadly situation last week.
“More than 30 people, including children, were evacuated from a business complex in south Fargo Wednesday, Nov. 7, after firefighters responded to a report of a gas smell and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
At 11:27 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to an office building, which contained businesses and a day care, at 4820 30th Ave. S. for a report of a gas smell, according to a Fargo Fire Department news release.
Upon arrival, firefighters found elevated carbon monoxide levels throughout the building.
About 15 adults and 20 children were evacuated from the building…elevated carbon monoxide levels were caused by a gas-powered concrete saw used by a construction crew in the building…”
MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Fire officials say 11 people were taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center after they were exposed to carbon monoxide fumes at the Playmakers Sports Center, located in the 5300 block of W. Fond du Lac Avenue.
Officials say workers on Monday, July 15th were trying to remove carpeting using a propane fueled tool, which started emitting fumes.
An employee at the store passed out, and this prompted the store to call the fire department. Fire officials then discovered elevated carbon monoxide levels in the building.
The building was evacuated and ventilated, and 11 were taken to the hospital. The 11 men were placed into a hyperbaric chamber, pressurized with oxygen to provide extra oxygen to the brain and remove the carbon monoxide.
All of the men taken to the hospital were listed in fair condition. Their ages range from 26-50.
Officials say most of those transported were carpet removal workers, and the rest were store employees.
“A pair of Good Samaritans saved three workers who were overcome by carbon monoxide in Westfield Wednesday.
Authorities say three workers were using a gasoline-powered pressure washer to clean mold out of a store basement. According to police, the men were overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning from the motor?s exhaust.
Two Good Samaritans were walking by when they noticed the workers collapsed on the floor. The two men pulled the workers out of the basement. When emergency crews arrived, they said two workers were unconscious and one was seriously ill.
Four additional people from nearby shops were treated for minor injuries and taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”
“More than a year since nearly dying of carbon monoxide poisoning in a subway tunnel, TTC worker Jason Iamundo is still suffering the effects.
Just ask his wife Sophie.
You can hear the rage rise up in her voice when she talks about the health problems he’s struggled with since the Feb. 7, 2006 accident. Chest pains, breathing problems, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, numb hands and hips, anxiety and depression are just some of the worries.
Then there’s the memory loss. If he were in his 60s or 70s, one could understand his forgetfulness, but Jason just turned 36 and should still be sharp.”
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