We just said goodbye to summer so it’s difficult to think about winter weather already, however, October is often a time when the temperature drops outside and things heat up on the inside.
Now is the time to prepare safety measures for the coming months as sometimes the greatest danger can be lurking inside your own properties.
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is one of the most widespread and dangerous industrial hazards. It is the most common cause of occupational gas poisoning leading to death1. It can be lethal at concentrations as low as 1000 parts per million (ppm).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO is responsible for more than 50,000 visits to the emergency room and over 400 deaths each year2. It is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
Often known as the “silent killer”, CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. While CO is a concern that should be considered at all times, cold weather increases the use of gas-powered furnaces, as well as the use of alternative heating and power sources (portable generators, charcoal briquettes, propane stoves or grills), drastically increasing risk exposures in the winter months.
This has also been amplified by the use of portable outdoor heaters due to the increased enclosed outdoor structures brought on by COVID.
One of the most memorable incidents involved a seafood restaurant on Long Island where CO exposure led to one death and 28 hospitalizations.
This is unfortunately just one of many as incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning are not uncommon in restaurants and are often fatal, leaving businesses in damaging situations they may not ever recover from.
Ensuring a safe working environment is essential to worker health and safety. Carbon monoxide poses an unseen risk that can easily be monitored and thus controlled.
It is important that owners and managers look at tragic incidents such as this to examine their own restaurants and safety practices in order to prevent future incidents.
The following reflects the most recent guidelines and safety standards for preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, based on the latest data from the CDC and CPSC in 2023 and 2024.
Generator Safety:
- Never operate a portable generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, or any other enclosed or partially enclosed space. Opening doors or windows does not provide sufficient ventilation to prevent CO buildup.
- Always operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your house. Direct the exhaust away from homes and any buildings to prevent CO from entering. Avoid placing generators on porches or in carports as these areas are still too close to the home.
- Ensure your generator is properly maintained by checking and following all labels, instructions, and warnings in the owner’s manual.
- Newer Safety Features: Look for portable generators with a CO shut-off safety feature, which automatically shuts down the generator if high CO levels are detected. Models certified to the latest safety standards (PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201) can significantly reduce CO poisoning risks.
Space Heaters and Other Heating Systems:
- Fuel-burning systems like furnaces and fireplaces can emit CO if not properly installed or maintained. Have a professional inspect all fuel-burning heating systems annually.
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around space heaters to avoid fire hazards, and always place them on a stable, level surface.
- Never leave portable heaters unattended, especially while sleeping, and ensure they are not placed in confined spaces.
CO and Smoke Alarms:
- Install battery-operated or battery-backup CO alarms on each level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected alarms are best because when one alarm sounds, they all do.
- Test CO and smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and never ignore an alarm. If it sounds, get outside immediately and call 911.
General Safety Measures for Businesses:
- Restaurants and other businesses should install CO detectors and ensure that alarm systems, security systems, and other safety equipment are functioning properly.
- Implement comprehensive emergency management planning, starting with a vulnerability analysis to identify risks. Develop a response plan detailing roles, responsibilities, emergency procedures, and a communication strategy.
- Train employees on the emergency plan, and regularly test and update the plan, ensuring it meets current risks.
Reputation Management:
If a CO leak or similar crisis occurs, having a clear plan on how to manage the aftermath, including media interaction, is crucial to minimize reputational damage.
Additional Tips:
- Clear snow from vents for fuel-burning appliances to prevent CO buildup indoors.
- Avoid using charcoal indoors or in enclosed spaces, as burning charcoal can produce lethal CO levels.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest safety standards and practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning and ensure a safer environment both at home and in businesses.
It’s Time to Review Carbon Monoxide Safety For Your Restaurant Operations (totalfood.com)
“The Burger King in Exeter Township closed after an off-duty UGI (utility company) employee sensed something amiss when he stopped in Sunday afternoon…He decided to grab his own meter from home and ended up finding elevated levels of carbon monoxide.”
All businesses with CO sources should have CO detection installed to protect customers and staff
LIBERTY, Mo. (KCTV) – One person was sent to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning after a scare Sunday morning at a Taco Bell in Liberty. Two other people were treated for CO poisoning, but they did not require a trip to the hospital.
It happened at the Taco Bell between Elizabeth Street and Orchard Avenue off 291-Highway. Liberty FD said the carbon monoxide levels were considered dangerous.
“I was told we were standing in fatal amounts of carbon monoxide,” said Drew Wilmeth, who is the opening shift lead at the Taco Bell location. “I was told that 500 [parts per million] is fatal in minutes, and we were standing in 285.”
An employee reached out to the fire department Sunday morning after staff members had complained of symptoms over their last two shifts. When Liberty FD arrived on scene and started measuring the carbon monoxide levels, they told the restaurant employees to leave immediately.
“The levels were in the mid-200′s [parts per million],” said Liberty Assistant Fire Chief, Christopher Young. “That’s unsafe.”
“Once they got near the fryer and the cooking stuff in the back, they immediately were like ‘Get out, now. Just get out. Leave,” said Wilmeth. “We all quickly jumped up and ran out.”
According to industry experts (Carbon Monoxide Levels | Kidde), people will start to feel headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea when carbon monoxide is at 200 PPM. Closer to 400, it can become deadly after three hours.
“There wasn’t a person at work who didn’t complain about their eyes burning, or having a headache, or feeling nauseous, or anything like that,” said Wilmeth.
Liberty fire says the culprit for the dangerously high carbon monoxide level was a faulty ventilation fan that has since been repaired.
“They had their maintenance crews, Taco Bell maintenance crews, come out,” said Young. “They remedied the problem. Since then, all the levels are down to an acceptable level.”
While the issue is fixed, the Taco Bell employee who spoke to KCTV5 wants to see systems in place to prevent Sunday’s scene from happening again.
“I would think if there was a significant carbon monoxide problem at a place of business, that there would be detectors in level that are that bad for us,” Wilmeth said.
The Taco Bell location remained closed on Sunday night. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday morning.
Taco Bell employees in Liberty worried after carbon monoxide scare (kctv5.com)
Location
4300 block Lien Road
Madison, WI 53704
Engine Co. 8 was finishing up an EMS response at an east side restaurant when they noticed a smell of natural gas in the entryway of the building. Using their air monitor, Engine 8 identified elevated readings for natural gas and carbon monoxide in the air. The crew investigated and found the source to be a heating unit on the roof that wasn’t operating properly.
Carbon monoxide readings in the bathrooms serviced by this heating unit reached over 60 parts per million. People exposed to this level of carbon monoxide typically show symptoms after 4-5 hours of continued exposure.
Firefighters turned off the thermostat to stop the generation of more carbon monoxide, and MGE was called to their location. Meanwhile, Engine 8 and the property owner proceeded to the roof to check the heating unit. Upon returning indoors, they found someone had already turned the thermostat back on. New readings from the bathroom were now over 90 ppm. CO levels as high as 2000 ppm were detected directly from the exhaust of the heating unit, confirming this appliance was the source of the problem.
MGE shut down power to the heating unit and isolated the gas line servicing it. MFD and MGE advised that the unit must not be used again until seen and repaired by a certified technician.
MFD confirmed all air quality readings returned to normal before clearing from the call.
The EMS call that originally summoned Engine 8 to this location was not related to carbon monoxide exposure.
https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/daily-reports/2023-12-02/engine-8-discovers-carbon-monoxide-natural-gas-issue-while-on-ems
Lawrence, MA –
Apartments above restaurant.
Two sources of CO cited as cause of elevated levels on multiple floors.
Response to building initiated by hospital staff following call from occupants who thought they were suffering from food poisoning.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — A carbon monoxide leak at Noodles and Company in Springfield on Friday sickened several people.
The Springfield Fire Department was called to the restaurant around 11:21 a.m. for a reported gas leak.
Before firefighters arrived, dispatch was notified about multiple people getting sick at the restaurant.
Once arriving on the scene, crews started triage and tested people at the location.
We’re told only one person had to be taken to the hospital, 10 others refused.
The fire department then secured utilities and ventilated the building.
They are still investigating the cause of the leak.
Carbon monoxide leak at Noodles and Company sickens several | WICS (newschannel20.com)
Queens, NY –
ELMHURST, QUEENS — A Queens McDonald’s was evacuated midday Wednesday after a report of high carbon monoxide levels, according to the FDNY.
The fast food chain at 80-03 Queens Blvd. was evacuated just after 2 p.m., a Fire Department spokesperson said.
No injuries have been reported, but FDNY units are still on the scene.
https://patch.com/new-york/jackson-heights-elmhurst/queens-mcdonalds-evacuated-over-high-carbon-monoxide-level-fdny
Spokane, WA –
As it gets colder, more people head inside with their windows and doors shut and their furnaces, stoves and fireplaces turned up high.
But Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said it’s prime time for carbon monoxide emergencies. In fact, there have been several in Spokane over the last few months.
The most recent incident happened at Luna, a restaurant on the South Hill. Chief Schaeffer said firefighters were called because someone reported feeling sick.
He said firefighters wear CO detectors, and as soon as they walked in, the detectors started going off, which meant the carbon monoxide level was too high.
A woman was taken to the hospital and the restaurant was evacuated.
It turned out the issue was a stove that wasn’t properly ventilating.
KHQ reached out to Luna. They didn’t want to be part of this story, but said the situation has been resolved.
Chief Schaeffer said there’s an easy way to prevent a similar situation from happening in your own home.
“This is the time of year to be proactive and make sure your CO detector is installed correctly, or that it has a battery backup,” Chief Schaeffer said.
He said everyone needs to have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on every floor of a home. They’re available on Amazon for less than $15.
It’s also important to note that if you’re renting an AirBnB, make sure to ask about carbon monoxide detectors. A study has showed that while 80 percent of them usually have smoke detectors, less than 50 percent usually have carbon monoxide detectors.
https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-fire-chief-says-south-hill-restaurant-dealt-with-silent-killer/article_0c7309be-187d-11ea-a090-57d067a3d4aa.html
Hingham, MA –
“Chipotle Mexican Grill at Hingham Derby Street Shops and the building it is attached to was evacuated Monday morning due to a carbon monoxide leak…one of the rooftop heating units was not working correctly and letting carbon monoxide into the restaurant.
The neighboring businesses had high carbon monoxide levels as well, so the fire department evacuated the entire building.”
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/hingham-journal/2019/11/05/derby-street-chipotle-evacuated-due/64741688007/
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. —
“Several businesses in Commerce City were forced to evacuate on Friday after a carbon monoxide scare sent two people to the hospital.
The scare happened inside Chihua’s Menuderia Y Taqueria Mexican Restaurant along East 72nd Avenue around 9:15 a.m.”
https://kdvr.com/news/local/2-employees-sickened-by-carbon-monoxide-inside-commerce-city-restaurant/
Posted September 15, 2019
Glendale, WI –
“North Shore Fire says four people were treated on scene with two rushed to the hospital…’I’m not sure how long each of those employees was here but obviously progressing over the entire shift, being exposed to those levels could be fatal,’ Capt. Dan Tyk said….Firefighters said the highest levels of carbon monoxide were measured at 500 parts per million. Investigators said the oven hood wasn’t venting properly. ”
https://www.wisn.com/article/boston-market-in-glendale-evacuated-for-elevated-levels-of-carbon-monoxide/29060577#
Best Bagels in Long Island, NY, was evacuated for dangerous levels of CO…https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/best-bagels-carbon-monoxide-evacuated-1.25752025
McDonald’s in Lancaster, Pennsylvania evacuated after employees smelled natural gas and alerted authorities who found high levels of CO…https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/gas-leak-prompts-evacuation-of-mcdonald-s-in-lancaster-township/article_fe1bfc06-009d-11e9-b8fe-ab2a28461a7b.html
Taco Bell in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska evacuated for CO leak…https://www.ksnblocal4.com/scottsbluff/content/news/Carbon-monoxide-forces-Taco-Bell-closed-501839851.html
Orland Fire Protection District paramedics assisted two dozen patrons suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning while dining at a Red Robin restaurant in Orland Park Friday night.
According to a statement released by the district early Saturday, emergency crews responded to the location at 15502 S. LaGrange Road after customers complained of headaches and feeling sick.
Four people were transported to Silver Cross Hospital in Mokena, according to officials, where their condition was unknown as of Saturday morning. Twenty others were evaluated by paramedics.
The restaurant was evacuated by customers and employees as firefighters found “high levels of carbon monoxide” and traced it back to HVAC units, according to the statement.
“Officials of (Nicor Gas) and the Village of Orland Park Building Department were called in and the restaurant was shut down for the evening,” the statement added. “Officials said the restaurant will remain closed pending completion of repairs.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-orland-park-restaurant-carbon-monoxide-st-1202-story.html
4 people hospitalized after CO leak at a Red Robin restaurant in Orland Park, IL…https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/carbon-monoxide-sickens-24-customers-at-red-robin-in-orland-park/
KUDOS TO EMPLOYERS WHO PROTECT THEIR EMPLOYEES WITH CO DETECTION…CO alarms alerted employees at Bruegger’s Bagels in Des Moines, Iowa, to evacuate…https://whotv.com/2018/11/29/brueggers-bagels-workers-safe-after-early-morning-carbon-monoxide-scare/
Marquette, WI –
“A carbon monoxide detector in an apartment in The Ivy woke up residents in a neighboring apartment Nov. 3 at 7 a.m. after Burger King’s furnace began to leak. The Ivy apartments, located on 811 N. 14th St., sit right above Burger King…
Then a few days later Nov. 8 at 6 a.m., another carbon monoxide detector in a different apartment unit in the building went off and the fire department returned. This time, they found that the source of the leak was one of two furnaces in Burger King…fire department’s incident report stated…that We Energies confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide and determined that Burger King was emitting 1,000+ ppm to the exterior of the building. From there, it was entering apartments.”
Carbon monoxide leaks into The Ivy apartments from the Burger King below
ORLANDO, FL — Dozens of workers were evacuated from a baking company Sunday morning due to a carbon monoxide alarm and at least one person was taken away from the building with chest pains.
https://patch.com/florida/orlando/hazmat-situation-orlando-forces-dozens-evacuate
Posted September 29, 2018
Binghamton, NY –
The Binghamton Fire Department says Little Venice Restaurant was evacuated Saturday morning. Firefighters responded to 111 Chenango Street just after 8am for a carbon monoxide detector going off inside the building. Firefighters evacuated the restaurant and the upstairs apartments. Officials say no one was hurt and they are still searching for the cause of the alarm. The Binghamton Fire, Police and NYSEG all responded.
Little Venice Restaurant Evacuated Following Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Posted September 27, 2018
Boston, MA –
“A restaurant on Boston’s waterfront was evacuated Thursday evening due to carbon monoxide. Fire officials say they began investigating after a woman reported feeling ill at Chart House on Long Wharf shortly after 8 p.m. High levels of the gas were measured…”
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/boston-restaurant-chart-house-evacuated-over-carbon-monoxide-co/56345/
Engine Company 1 responded twice to a State Street restaurant for carbon monoxide alarm activations that were ultimately traced to a leak in a kitchen appliance.
The first alarm activation came in at 12:41 a.m. Saturday, August 25. Firefighters forced entry to Noodles & Co. (232 State Street) through a window, finding CO levels at 200 parts per million near the kitchen. The crew took measures to shut off gas lines and appliances to put a stop to the CO leak, and they began ventilating the restaurant to clear the air. While CO levels went down, they did not fully disappear. MGE remained on scene to try to determine the origins of the CO leak.
A day later, at 8:36 a.m. Sunday, August 26, Engine Company 1 was called back to the restaurant for another CO alarm activation. Air monitors showed levels ranging from 50 ppm in the kitchen to 150 ppm in the basement. After searching the entire restaurant, firefighters discovered a carbon monoxide and natural gas leak coming from a kitchen appliance. MGE tagged and turned off the unit, and firefighters ventilated the restaurant until the CO dissipated.
The restaurant was closed and unoccupied at the time of both MFD responses. There were no illnesses or injuries relating to the carbon monoxide incidents.
https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/daily-reports/carbon-monoxide-leak-found-at-downtown-restaurant
Huntington, NY –
“…the Commack Fire Department responded to reports that people were feeling ill at the Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza restaurant…found high levels of carbon monoxide in the restaurant and the adjoining Chocolate Works store…”
https://bronx.news12.com/commack-pizzeria-evacuated-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak-38896444
Rancho Mirage, CA –
“Over the last week, some employees began experiencing headaches and nausea. Some employees say they originally mistook the symptoms and thought they were heat-related…’I would think that the fire department would require them to have carbon monoxide detectors along with the smoke detectors,’ said Troy Unterein, a Customer at Burgers & Beer.”
Rancho Mirage restaurant reopens after Carbon Monoxide incident – KESQ
Kenosha, WI –
“A mechanical problem caused carbon monoxide levels to spike at Hob Nob restaurant…the Somers Fire Department was called to the restaurant…for 12 people – a mix of restaurant staff and customers – complaining they were feeling ill. ‘We found carbon monoxide levels at 600 parts per million…'”
https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/article_8bd58c8b-bf2d-546d-bef6-659526694731.html
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) — Five workers at an Upper East Side restaurant were sickened by a carbon monoxide leak that forced the evacuation of the building.
An oil burner malfunctioned in the basement of Jojo restaurant on E 64th Street just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, about 30 minutes after closing time.
The workers began feeling sick and were taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell with minor injuries.
Firefighters discovered the oil burner was not working properly. It was giving off high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the basement, about 400 parts per million.
Firefighters shut off the boiler, and the levels dropped. The high levels of carbon monoxide did not leave the basement.
The entire building, including residents who live above the French eatery, was evacuated for about two hours. Residents returned to their homes at around 1 a.m.
https://abc7ny.com/jojo-restaurant-jean-georges-vongerichten-upper-east-side/3625906/
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) —
“Five workers at an Upper East Side restaurant were sickened by a carbon monoxide leak that forced the evacuation of the building.
An oil burner malfunctioned in the basement of Jojo restaurant on E 64th Street just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, about 30 minutes after closing time.
The workers began feeling sick and were taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell…Firefighters discovered the oil burner was not working properly. It was giving off high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the basement, about 400 parts per million…The entire building, including residents who live above the French eatery, was evacuated…”
https://abc7ny.com/amp/jojo-restaurant-jean-georges-vongerichten-upper-east-side/3625906/
Three people were taken to an area hospital after a carbon monoxide incident at a Brighton eatery near Twelve Corners on Wednesday night.
Brighton Fire Chief Stephen MacAdam said fire crews were called to Qdoba, 1881 Monroe Ave., shortly before 8 p.m., after a carbon monoxide detector sounded at the restaurant and employees called 911.
Several construction workers were operating propane-powered equipment in a poorly ventilated storefront near Qdoba Wednesday evening, causing the alert, MacAdam said.
Six people were treated at the scene, including three people (two construction workers and one Qdoba employee) who were taken to an area hospital for further treatment, MacAdam said.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the construction workers still working. Firefighters cleared both storefronts of carbon monoxide, he said. The construction space measured triple the carbon monoxide level as Qboda.
Qboda closed for the night and disposed of all exposed food, MacAdam said. The eatery reopened Thursday morning.
While fire officials examined other businesses in the complex on Wednesday, MacAdam said the fire marshal will follow up at each business in the plaza on Thursday.
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2018/04/19/carbon-monoxide-closes-qdoba-brighton-send-3-hospital/524037002/
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – An Abingdon Taco Bell restaurant was evacuated Saturday morning after employees complained of headaches and coughing.
Abingdon Fire Chief John McCormick tells News Channel 11 this all happened around 9 o’clock Saturday morning at the Taco Bell on Cummings Street, that’s right off of Interstate 81.
McCormick said crews picked up an elevated carbon monoxide reading at the Taco Bell.
They later found out that the exhaust fan on the roof, that ventilates the cooking appliances, had a broken belt and was not working properly.
One employee was evaluated by life saving crew members.
A Taco Bell employee told us this morning that they had a technician on site, and they planned to reopen Saturday.
https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/abingdon-taco-bell-evacuated-after-employees-complained-of-headaches-and-coughing/
Temecula, CA –
“A Japanese restaurant in Temecula has been closed temporarily after a hazmat team responded two nights in a row to reports of an unusual odor that was making people ill.
The source of the odor at Shogun Restaurant in the 41500 block of Margarita Road hasn’t been determined, a health official said Sunday.
It’s unclear if it was related to high levels of carbon monoxide that the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health detected near the dishwashing area Friday night.”
Temecula restaurant closed temporarily over strange odor that caused evacuation, illnesses
Madison, WI –
“Crews were called to That BBQ Joint on Williamson Street Saturday close to 5 p.m. after complaints of an “odd smell.” When firefighters arrived, they found a carbon monoxide leak and evacuated the restaurant.
According to Madison Fire Department, slight levels of carbon monoxide were found on the main floor; however, in the basement where the business owner said the odd smell was coming from, carbon monoxide levels spiked to 800 parts per million…the carbon monoxide leak, and likely the smell, came from a boiler malfunction in the basement.”
https://www.nbc15.com/content/news/Madison-restaurant-temporarily-evacuated-after-carbon-monoxide-leak-461950233.html
Springfield, IL –
“A gas leak at the Noodles and Company in Springfield sent four people to the hospital. The fire marshal said there were shockingly high levels of carbon monoxide in the air. The coincidental part officials say they weren’t even called to the restaurant to check on the silent killer carbon monoxide leak…it’s coincidentally lucky there was a natural gas leak so that the smell could notify employees to call for personnel for an odor investigation…As soon as employees smelled the gas, they evacuated the building and let their neighbors, at Chipotle, know to do the same…(CO levels) measured over 200 parts per million…”
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/chipotle-and-noodles-company-evacuated
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –
“Skyline Chili was evacuated and several customers were transported to the hospital after a carbon monoxide leak at the Castleton restaurant.
Emergency crews were called to the Skyline Chili located at 6689 East 82nd Street shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Friday. According to IFD spokesperson Rita Reith, Happy Chicken employees first started showing symptoms, then customers and other employees started showing more severe symptoms.
Battalion Chief Rita Reith says the leak shortly after noon Friday produced a carbon monoxide reading of 150 parts per million at Skyline Chili in Castleton and 70 ppm in an adjacent restaurant.
Store manager Cheri Throop told firefighters that the gas-fed Skyline Chili kettles and the gas hot water heater had both been recently worked on.”
https://fox59.com/news/skyline-chili-evacuated-several-customers-transported-to-hospital-after-carbon-monoxide-leak/
https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/8-treated-after-indianapolis-restaurant-carbon-monoxide-leak/
CLEVES, OH (FOX19) – A carbon monoxide leak forced the Miami Avenue Skyline to temporarily shut down Wednesday, according to Duke Energy.
Two Skyline employees fell ill and were hospitalized. Another Bar, located next door, was also evacuated.
High levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside Skyline and Another Bar, according to Village of Cleves Police.
Malfunction in a cooking appliance was the cause of the leak, the Cleves fire chief said.
No patrons were inside Skyline when officials responded to the leak.
Skyline and Another Bar are expected to reopen Wednesday.
https://www.fox19.com/story/35815898/two-employees-hospitalized-following-gas-leak-at-skyline-chili/
“Employees at a downtown restaurant called for the services of the Madison Fire Department Tuesday night when they realized there was a carbon monoxide leak in the basement.
All occupants had already evacuated when Engine Company 1 arrived to 419 State Street, Zandru’s Tapas Bar. MGE was also on scene inspecting the gas water heaters and gas boilers serving the business and the apartments above the restaurant…The restaurant manager was told they would not be allowed to re-open until a licensed gas appliance technician comes in to perform the appropriate repairs.”
https://cityofmadison.com/fire/daily-reports/downtown-restaurant-closed-tuesday-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak
Arlington, VA –
The Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant at 1201 S. Hayes Street in Pentagon City is being evacuated due to “elevated” carbon monoxide levels.
Fire department units are being dispatched to the scene to investigate the source of the CO, according to scanner traffic. Washington Gas is also responding to the scene.
Initial reports suggest the higher-than-normal carbon monoxide levels were detected in the kitchen and possibly related to a water heater.
So far there’s no report of anyone becoming sick, though the restaurant’s kitchen workers are being evaluated by firefighters.
https://www.arlnow.com/2017/02/14/carbon-monoxide-incident-at-pentagon-city-restaurant/
Diners at a Clemmons restaurant last weekend became sick because of a carbon-monoxide leak. Thanks to some quick action from an off-duty firefighter, the restaurant was evacuated and those who experienced illness were treated.
Fortunately, such incidents are rare. But one is too many. We urge legislators to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in restaurants, just as they are in hotels and motels.
The Clemmons incident occurred during a birthday party in the special events room of the River Ridge Taphouse, the Journal’s Jenny Drabble reported. One of the participants, off-duty firefighter Lonnie Wimmer, noticed that people were starting to feel sick. Some had headaches and some felt nauseous. There was some vomiting.
Wimmer also began to feel ill. Fortunately, he recognized the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and notified the fire department and emergency personnel. The restaurant was evacuated.
Thirty-one diners were treated on the scene and 14 went to the hospital.
The leak was eventually traced to a heating unit, Lewisville Fire Department Assistant Chief Steve Williams told the Journal.
“We are extremely confident that was the main source of the leak,” Williams told the Journal. “The heating unit for that room malfunctioned and stopped burning cleanly, which can happen to any of those units.”
The restaurant quickly had the leak fixed and opened for business last Sunday morning, restaurant manager Dawn Vanorden told the Journal.
“Everything’s good, we fixed it that night,” she said. “Everyone’s safe.”
It doesn’t appear the restaurant did anything wrong. The restaurant did not have a carbon monoxide detector. They’re required in hotels and motels, but they’re not required in restaurants.
We’re grateful for the presence and quick thinking of the off-duty firefighter, Wimmer. This could have been much worse.
Carbon monoxide is very dangerous. It disrupts blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen through the body, and inhaling too much can be lethal. The level in the restaurant spiked to six times the normal amount, officials told the Journal.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between 1999 and 2010, an average of 430 people died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States.
There have been some deadly incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in our area, like in 2013 when a couple from Longview, Wash., Daryl and Shirley Jenkins, died in a room in the Best Western hotel in Boone. Jeffrey Lee Williams, an 11-year-old boy, died later that year in the same room before a police investigation revealed that deadly levels of carbon monoxide had seeped in from a corroded exhaust pipe. After that tragedy, the legislature moved quickly to toughen laws for carbon monoxide detectors in hotel and motel rooms.
Legislators should make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in restaurants. The gas is difficult to detect, sometimes until it’s too late.
We’re glad Wimmer was there, and appreciate the quick response from the restaurant. But more needs to be done. This is serious business.
wsjeditorial@wsjournal.comor send letters to the editor at letters @wsjournal.com.
© © Copyright 2016, Winston-Salem Journal, Winston-Salem, NC
https://firefightingnews.com/carbon-monoxide-detectors-mandatory-restaurants/
“…Assistant Chief Steve Williams with the Lewisville Fire Department said the gas started leaking because of a malfunction in the restaurant’s heating system.
The carbon monoxide made it’s way through the restaurant’s ventilation system and into a private dining room where a birthday party with kids was taking place…a firefighter who happened to be with the party group noticed people in the room were feeling dizzy, nauseated, and experiencing headaches, so he called the fire department.”
“An off-duty firefighter saved the lives of many dinner party guests when he realized something was amiss during the gathering of friends in North Carolina. When Lonnie Wimmer began to notice guests were nauseous and complaining of headaches at the River Ridge Tap House, he jumped into action…”
https://www.insideedition.com/headlines/20474-off-duty-firefighter-saves-lives-when-he-detects-carbon-monoxide-during-restaurant-dinner-party
Washington, DC –
“Firefighters Melvin Batts and Sam Acala had popped into a Subway restaurant near Greenbelt and Good Luck roads around noon when the carbon monoxide detectors strapped to their walkie-talkies went off…’The readings we found were as high as 600 ppm’…The shopping center was immediately evacuated, and firefighters suited up to find the leak. Emergency crews found that the exhaust vent from an air conditioning unit was broken and funneling carbon monoxide into stores instead of outside.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/two-firefighters-wanted-sandwiches-they-saved-people-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-instead/2016/10/14/a69dcb52-9250-11e6-9c85-ac42097b8cc0_story.html
“It happened at the Noodles & Co. in the Village of Rochester Hills Shopping Center.
Five employees were taken to the hospital with similar symptoms. A nurse recognized the symptoms and called emergency crews to inspect the building.”
Seven people being treated for CO poisoning (wxyz.com)
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) —
“High levels of carbon monoxide forced evacuations at the Amasi Restaurant Hookah establishment in North Philadelphia.
It happened around midnight Tuesday on the 1700 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
Fire crews responded to the Hookah lounge, and found high levels of CO.
The 3-story building houses apartments above, and there is a day care next door.
Three people were evacuated from the lounge, and two above the day care.”
https://6abc.com/hookah-lounge-in-north-philadelphia-evacuated-after-co-detected/1432886/
Just as the lunch rush hit downtown Lincoln, several employees at the popular lunch joint Noodles and Company on 14th and ‘P’ started feeling sick. Fire crews were called in and that’s when they detected high levels of carbon monoxide filling the building. The eatery was quickly evacuated, setting off alarm bells for the restaurant next door.
“I didn’t know exactly what was going on, being neighbors with them, then all of the sudden they started checking our place and said ‘oh you need to get out now’ and so I’m, thinking well I don’t smell smoke it’s not a fire then I realized it was CO and some of their employees started showing the symptoms so,” Ian Peterson, general manager at Wahoo’s tacos, said.
Crews say the restaurant forgot to turn on their kitchen vent system while they were cooking, and gas from their appliances built up, causing one employee to be taken to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. They also say two gas appliances were faulty.
The restaurant next door, Wahoo’s Taco, and the residents upstairs were also evacuated. The general manager of Wahoo’s walked us through how the system works.
“With the hood vents, if you don’t have them on and you’re cooking all that co is going to build up and you don’t really notice it until you have the symptoms, you get nauseous someone passes out, so that’s what happened, we had ours on but we don’t wish that on anyone,” Peterson said.
Noodles and Company says it’ll be closed until they fix their appliances. Officials say all employees were allowed back in about an hour later and everyone is expected to be okay.
We reached out to Noodles and Company for comment; they declined to speak to us, saying they are still investigating what happened.
Carbon Monoxide shuts down restaurant, one poisoned
Philadelphia, PA –
“Firefighters had to evacuate patrons from a bustling downtown Philadelphia bar and restaurant at the height of a busy weekend night after high carbon monoxide levels were detected in the bar.
Officials said that the dangerous gas was detected at Barra Restaurant & Lounge, on Chestnut Street near 2nd in Old City, about midnight. Firefighters evacuated patrons from the bar and the rest of the building after the levels of CO were discovered. There are apartments above the bar…”
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/carbon-monoxide-evacuations-old-city-bar-barra-chestnut-st/73453/
Posted September 23, 2015
A malfunctioning fryer caused carbon monoxide levels to rise in the Church’s Chicken in the 300 block of W. 2nd Street Wednesday afternoon, which resulted in a brief evacuation of the building.
Sand Springs Fire Chief Mike Wood said the main fryer in the kitchen had to be shut down until it can be evaluated.
“It’s some operational issue with the fryer,” Wood said. “Apparently, [employees] had had some issue with the fryer before, so they hadn’t been using it, but for some reason, today, it was used.”
Carbon monoxide is dangerous at high enough levels, he said.
The restaurant was closed to allow the building to air out as of 2:30 p.m., but was open and serving customers again by about 4 p.m.
https://tulsaworld.com/malfunctioning-fryer-causes-brief-carbon-monoxide-issue-at-churchs-chicken/article_e0b9b284-8f96-58d8-a91f-b2028cafc8a9.html
SEVERNA PARK, Md. —
Fire officials had to evaluate several employees at a Severna Park restaurant after increased levels of carbon monoxide were found Tuesday.
Anne Arundel County Fire responded to the Noodles & Company in the 500 block of Ritchie Highway just after 6:15 p.m.
Seven people exhibited lightheadedness and headaches, the department said. Two people were taken to the hyperbaric chamber at the University of Maryland Medical Center, two people were taken to University of Maryland Medical Center, two people were taken to Baltimore-Washington Medical Center and one person was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Hazmat crews were called in to investigate the source of the leak. Crews said the source came from a hood on top of the stove that was not ventilating properly.
CO leak sickens 7 at Severna Park restaurant (wbaltv.com)
Jersey City, NJ –
Two Jersey City EMTs…walked into the Burger King on Route 440 in Jersey City and their portable carbon monoxide detection devices began to sound…evacuated the restaurant and notified the fire department…The devices are worn by all EMTs and paramedics at JCMC and was implemented back in 2011.”
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2015/08/emts_walking_in_for_lunch_find_high_levels_of_co2.html
Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:59:41 GMT — Kelly’s Restaurant in Quincy is open for business Wednesday after being evacuated twice Tuesday for two separate carbon monoxide leaks.
Just before noon Wednesday, restaurant owner Jeff McClean said that two people were still in the hospital being treated.
He said everything is back to normal at the restaurant, however, and he praises the Quincy Fire Department and EMTs for doing a fantastic job.
You may remember the first emergency call came in shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday when several people inside reported feeling ill.
Quincy Fire Department Assistant Chief James Pioch said around 20 people were inside at the time, and six employees were taken to Blessing Hospital for treatment.
The leak came from one of the kitchen’s stoves, McClean said, and the restaurant re-opened around 5 p.m.
“We got as high as 700 parts per million (of carbon monoxide), your detector at home will probably sound anywhere between 10 and 35 parts per million, of carbon monoxide, and like I said we were gettin 700 parts,” Pioch said.
According to Pioch, an engine responded the second time to a carbon monoxide detector going off around 7:30 p.m.
Pioch said elevated levels of carbon monoxide from the restaurant’s east-side furnace forced a second evacuation of the building.
Fire crews ventilated the building after some workers complained of headaches, prompting another ambulance response.
Pioch said he did not know if the second ambulance transported anyone to the hospital.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion, according to the CDC .
https://khqa.com/news/local/gas-leak-forces-kellys-restaurant-in-quincy-to-evacuate-twice
Quincy, IL – Six employees of a Quincy tavern have been taken to a hospital after a carbon monoxide leak.
Assistant Quincy Fire Chief James Pioch tells WGEM-AM that high levels of carbon monoxide were found in the kitchen area of Kelly’s Tavern on Tuesday afternoon.
Pioch says carbon monoxide levels came in at 700 to 800 parts per million. He says anything over 35 ppm is considered dangerous.
Tavern owner Rod McLean says employees started feeling sick during the lunch crowd and called authorities. McLean says no customers were affected.
Fire investigators believe the leak came from an appliance in the kitchen, but they’re not sure which one.
https://qconline.com/news/article_5b186648-c1ef-11e4-afa8-43625e86e31a.html
MANCHESTER, NH – Shortly after the Mall of New Hampshire opened at 11 a.m. on Oct. 19 employees and customers of Bertucci’s restaurant began noticing symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alarms sounded inside the restaurant and Manchester Fire Department responded to find reportedly high readings of carbon monoxide in the building – 114 PPM – which resulted in a mall evacuation. All victims were treated in the parking lot while MFD vented the building and tried to detect/isolate the problem.
This is the second Sunday in a row that Bertucci’s has had the issue and had to evacuate.
After approximately 45 minutes the situation was brought under control. Officials said the issue seems to be in an HVAC unit. Manchester Health Department officials at the scene ordered the restaurant closed due to the issue.
Mall evacuated after several people exposed to carbon monoxide
“Deputy Fire Chief Jon Davine said Northampton firefighters were called to 16-18 Main St. shortly after 11 a.m. when a carbon monoxide detector was activated in the basement of Local Burger. He said firefighters detected high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the building, from its basement to the attic. The readings prompted the Fire Department to evacuate about a dozen people from the building, which also houses Banh Mi Saigon restaurant at the ground level and has apartments on the second and third floors.”
https://www.gazettenet.com/Archives/2014/10/GASLEAK-HG-100814
Newton, MA –
“Legal Sea Foods located at the Street in Chestnut Hill along Route 9 was evacuated Tuesday morning following high carbon monoxide readings in the restaurants, the Newton Fire Department tweeted. A nearby restaurant, The Cottage, was also evacuated.
WCVB first reported that carbon monoxide detectors were going off this morning when employees came to work. Newton fire and National Grid have reportedly traced the problem to a Legal Sea Foods oven.
One person was evaluated for carbon monoxide poisoning on site and was cleared, Newton Fire tweeted.
Both restaurants plan to open to customers for lunch.”
Two Chestnut Hill restaurants evacuated after high CO levels detected
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. –
“Fire Department personnel conducting a routine inspection found elevated carbon monoxide levels at a New Dorp business, resulting in two people being taken to the hospital, officials said.
While inspecting Shaggy’s Cheesesteaks on Hylan Boulevard, FDNY officials discovered the carbon monoxide levels showed a reading of 180 on their meters, where normal readings are below 10, said Battalion 23 Chief John Labarbera at the scene…the source of the elevated CO came from some cooking equipment in the kitchen…
While the city mandates homeowners install carbon monoxide detectors in residences, the devices aren’t required in businesses and other areas where people gather — including restaurants. But the City Council is set to change that: City Council Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio has introduced a bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in places of business, school auditoriums, and other public spaces…’These are the legitimate health risks which underscore an odorless gas that ultimately can kill people…'”
https://www.silive.com/news/2014/03/elevated_co2_levels_result_in.html
COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. —
“Dane County dispatch said three people were sent to the hospital following a carbon monoxide leak at a fast food restaurant in Cottage Grove early Monday morning. The incident happened just before 6 a.m. at the McDonald’s in the 400 block of West Cottage Grove Road…”
https://www.channel3000.com/cottage-grove-restaurant-evacuated-after-co-leak/#:~:text=COTTAGE%20GROVE%2C%20Wis.,of%20West%20Cottage%20Grove%20Road.
HUNTINGTON STATION, N.Y. —
“A faulty water heater flue pipe caused the carbon monoxide leak that killed a New York restaurant manager and sent more than two dozen people to hospitals…Restaurant manager Steven Nelson was found unresponsive in the basement on Saturday night and pronounced dead at a hospital…
Authorities initially went to the restaurant after receiving a call about a woman who had fallen and hit her head in the basement. Rescue workers who arrived at the scene started to feel lightheaded and nauseated and suspected a carbon monoxide leak, officials said.
The restaurant was evacuated and 27 people were treated at hospitals. All of those impacted by the fumes were restaurant employees, police or ambulance workers…”
https://www.ems1.com/carbon-monoxide/articles/carbon-monoxide-leak-at-ny-mall-kills-1-sickens-28-CahKuknvvIIYDzBK/
Partner of man who died in Legal Sea Foods CO leak on Long Island fights for safety law
“…he came home so ill they went to the emergency room where doctors told him he may have a blood disorder…the next few days when Nelson returned from work were torturous. “I found him kneeling at the bed saying, ‘I feel like I’m dying.'”
https://abc7ny.com/steve-nelson-legal-sea-foods-carbon-monoxide-leak-fatal-gar-long-island-huntington-station-co2/233688/
Greensboro, NC –
“Emergency personnel were called after employees complained of feeling sick. Four employees went home throughout the day and 11 employees were taken to the hospital…Fire Department personnel are trying to locate the source of the carbon monoxide leak and believe it may have originated somewhere in the kitchen…Fire officials told FOX8 when carbon monoxide levels get to 35 it is “alarming.” The carbon monoxide levels in O’Charley’s on Friday were up to 400.”
https://myfox8.com/news/carbon-monoxide-leak-causes-evacuation-of-ocharleys-in-greensboro/
Posted September 16, 2013
Bridgehampton, NY –
“A worker was using an acetylene torch on a refrigeration unit…’When I got on scene and walked into the building, my CO alarm went off the wall…It was the highest I’ve ever seen it in the 15 years I’ve been in the fire department…The chief said he evacuated the building due to the “really dangerous” reading…”
https://patch.com/new-york/southampton/fire-chif-carbon-monoxide-scare-sends-3-to-hospital
Garden City Park, NY –
“Garden City Park Firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide situation at a Dominican-style restaurant Thursday and took a total of seven people to the hospital for treatment.
According to Garden City Park Fire Chief Roger Green, ‘outrageously high levels’ of carbon monoxide were found in the building at 2172 Jericho Turnpike, which was functioning on a basement generator after the power had been turned off.
The generator was located in a common basement of the building and police were alerted at about 3:42 p.m. by a phone call requesting medical aid. Workers in the restaurant and several tenants in the apartments above the restaurant had complained about headaches and nausea.
A total of seven persons were taken to Nassau University Medical Center with non-life threatening conditions while another six declined medical attention.
The Nassau Fire Marshals Office is investigating the situation and will be determining if charges will be filed.”
https://patch.com/new-york/newhydepark/several-sent-to-hospital-from-co2-in-garden-city-park
Storm Lake, IA –
“The Storm Lake Fire Department, police and Alliant Energy responded to a Burger King on Tuesday night after an odor of natural gas was reported…Authorities said no natural gas was detected, but carbon monoxide was. Firefighters determined a faulty rooftop heating unit caused the problem.”
https://www.kcci.com/article/customers-ordered-to-evacuate-restaurant/6878200#
Germantown, TN –
“The leak was traced to an improperly vented water heater outside a Chili’s restaurant.
Chief Selberg said, apparently CO gas fumes were being pulled back into the shopping center’s air handling system, “It was up in the 200 parts per million range which is considered pretty high for CO.”
Firefighters and MLGW workers used gas monitors to trace the leak, but not before evacuating around thirty people from nine businesses…”
https://wreg.com/news/carbon-monoxide-leak-leads-to-evacuation-in-germantown/
Abstract
Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Most CO incidents reported to the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) are due to faulty gas appliances, and legislation exists to ensure gas appliances are properly installed.
Methods: We present three CO poisoning incidents of unusual origin reported to the HPA. In each, residents living above restaurants were poisoned after workers left charcoal smouldering overnight in specialist or traditional ovens whilst ventilation systems were turned off. This led to production of CO, which travelled through floorboards and built up to dangerous concentrations in the flats.
Results: Working with local authorities, these incidents were investigated and resolved, and work was conducted to prevent further occurrences.
Conclusions: The novel nature of these CO incidents led to delays in recognition and subsequent remedial action. Although previously undescribed, it is likely that due to the number of residences built above restaurants and the rising popularity of traditional cooking methods, similar incidents may be occurring and could increase in frequency. Multi-agency response and reporting mechanisms could be strengthened. Awareness raising in professional groups and the public on the importance of correct ventilation of such appliances is vital.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22427702/
Firefighters evacuated people living above Qdoba Mexican Restaurant in Georgetown Tuesday morning because of high levels of carbon monoxide.
The restaurant is near 33rd and M Street in northwest Washington.
Firefighters told News4 a faulty stove triggered the carbon monoxide alarms upstairs.
Two pilot lights on the stove were left on.
No one was hurt and everyone was able to go back into their homes.
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/georgetown-residents-evacuated-in-carbon-monoxide-scare/1915818/
FRENCHTOWN — About 10 people were evacuated from the building at 10 Bridge Street last night, Tuesday, Nov. 2, to escape carbon monoxide fumes that spread throughout the three-story structure. The fumes came from a gasoline-powered generator being operated inside the dining room of the basement restaurant, Cocina Del Sol.
According to Frenchtown Union Fire Company Chief Gerald Hoffman, emergency units responded to the scene between 8 and 8:30 p.m. to perform the evacuation.
“It took to about 11:30 when we finally ventilated all of the building,” Hoffman said.
Besides the restaurant located in the basement, the building also contains specialty shops on the first floor and apartments on the second and third floors.
Because the building had been without power, most of the apartment residents were not at home, the fire chief said.
Responding to the scene along with the Frenchtown Fire Company were Frenchtown Police, Quakertown Fire Company and a fire unit from Ottsville, Pa.
Hoffman said he is submitting a report on the incident to state fire safety officials.
https://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/2011/11/frenchtown_restaurant_evacuate.html
QUEENSBURY – A potentially deadly level of carbon monoxide filled a Queensbury restaurant Saturday, sending 42 people to an area hospital. Most of the employees and customers of the Log Jam restaurant were treated and released. Two were flown to another hospital for more specialized treatment, said Queensbury Central Fire Department Chief Joseph DuPrey. No further details on their location or condition were immediately available.
The dining room was filled with 5,000 parts per million of carbon monoxide gase after the restaurant’s water heater in the basement stopped venting exhaust properly, DuPrey said. At that level people can get sick within minutes and die within an hour, DuPrey said. “It’s not uncommon for us to go to a residential home and see maybe 10 or 15 or 20 (parts per million,” DuPrey said. “To have 5000 parts per million is an extremely hazardous condition.”
Authorities were notified at 9:45 p.m. after a customer fainted. The restaurant was evacuated within minutes of the emergency crew’s arrival. Restaurant managers were unavailable for comment and the restaurant was closed Sunday. National Grid turned off the lead and the town of Queensbury’s code enforcement office will work with the restaurant to ensure that the water heater meets code. – The Associated Press
Carbon monoxide sickens 42 people at Lake George eatery
“Fifteen workers at the Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant at Arundel Mills mall were hospitalized yesterday after being exposed to carbon monoxide. The restaurant hood and duct system in the kitchen malfunctioned…”
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-07-09-0507090369-story.html
The Greenville News (Greenville, SC)
Image credit: newspapers.com
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