MENU
Six Fire Departments Onboarded onto the New National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)
Fire service data system update –
“The new NERIS platform will replace the legacy data system known as the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)…NERIS will fulfill the USFA’s National Fire Data Center’s obligation under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-498) to mitigate the fire problem, reduce loss of life and property, and educate the public on fire prevention and protection, as well as effects of all hazards.”
New CPSC Report Shows Upward Trend in Non-Fire CO Deaths Continues
“A new CPSC report shows that the upward trend in non-fire carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning deaths from consumer products, including portable generators and heating appliances, continued for the 11-year period from 2010 to 2020. The estimated number of non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction rose to an all-time high of 254 in 2019. Although there were fewer estimated deaths, 211, in 2020, that number otherwise exceeds all earlier years in the period.”
CPSC Commission Hearing | Residential Gas Furnaces and Boilers NPR; Oral Presentations
CPSC Commission Hearing | Residential Gas Furnaces and Boilers NPR; Oral Presentations (youtube.com)
Dept of Energy: Enforcement Letter, Idaho Environmental Coalition, LLC
February 2024,
Related to uncontrolled exposure to potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide at the Idaho Cleanup Project.
On January 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Enterprise Assessments, Office of Enforcement issued Enforcement Letter (WEL-2024-02) to Idaho Environmental Coalition, LLC for deficiencies in implementing DOE’s 10 C.F.R. Part 851 Worker Safety and Health Program requirements related to uncontrolled exposure to potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide at the Idaho Cleanup Project.
Enforcement Letter, Idaho Environmental Coalition, LLC | Department of Energy
“The event occurred on January 10, 2023, when workers were operating a
gasoline-powered welder generator inside the NRF-601 high bay. Earlier in the
day, IEC approved a work order change (WOC) for work order number 597489 to
move the generator from outdoors to inside the high bay. The WOC included a
warning that the generator produced harmful emissions that constituted a
respiratory hazard. In response to the WOC, workers established a safety
boundary around the generator, inserted a flex pipe into the exhaust stack, and
passed the flex pipe through the wall of the building to the outside…
…IEC did not report the CO exposure on the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration Form 300 or in the DOE Computerized Accident Incident
Reporting System database due to a misinterpretation of occupational exposure
reporting requirements.”
Ryobi Stops Sales of Portable Generator Over CO Sensor Problem
Anyone experiencing the issue with the RY903622VNM generator, which was sold online by Home Depot, can contact the company for a replacement
Ryobi Stops Sales of RY903622VNM Portable Generator for CO Sensor Problem – Consumer Reports
Understand carbon monoxide risks in your workplace
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas; it is particularly dangerous because you can’t smell or taste it. Take necessary precautions to protect workers from the serious, and sometimes fatal, effects of carbon monoxide exposure.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health : Carbon monoxide : State of Oregon
ZLINE Expands Consumer Options in Recall of Gas Ranges; Serious Risk of Injury or Death from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
“These ranges were recalled in January 2023, and consumers were offered a repair. ZLINE is expanding the remedies available to consumers to also include a replacement range or a refund. All consumers who have an affected range should immediately stop using the oven compartment, even if they have already had their range repaired as part of the prior recall.”
CPSC: Lochinvar Recalls Condensing Boilers Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
“The boiler’s flue collector can crack if exposed to a high impact event in the burner chamber, which can allow the boiler to emit carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Lochinvar Recalls Condensing Boilers Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | CPSC.gov
Fliers say this equipment could prevent deadly small plane crashes, but there’s a snag
“We have accident experience that shows that carbon monoxide leaks happen and that they bring down airplanes…the FAA has refused to require (CO) detectors, only recommending them…(their)position is that regular maintenance and inspections would catch any carbon monoxide leaks…”
FAA says carbon monoxide to blame for fatal plane crash in Ringgold
Chatham, VA –
“Federal investigators say carbon monoxide was likely to blame for a fatal airplane crash last year in Pittsylvania County.
The Federal Aviation Administration this weekend released their final report on the February 1, 2022 crash east of Danville. It concludes the pilot was impaired due to carbon monoxide that came into the cockpit from undetected engine exhaust.
Investigator in Charge Lynn Spencer says the pilot, who was not identified in the report, shut down an engine after takeoff. There was no evidence that the engine had failed, which would have necessitated a shutdown.”
FAA says carbon monoxide to blame for fatal plane crash in Ringgold | News | chathamstartribune.com
ECR International Recalls Gas-Fired Hot Water Residential Boilers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Link to CPSC data page
New data page on CPSC website with links to all CO-related research and statistical reports
CPSC: Allied Air Enterprises Recalls Armstrong Air and Air Ease Gas Furnaces Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
This recall involves 96% efficiency gas furnaces under the ARMSTRONG and AIREASE brand names with the model numbers A96UH1E045B12S, A96UH1E070B12S, and/or A96UH1E110C20S. The furnaces weigh between 129 and 170 pounds and were sold between September 2022 and March 2023. The brand name is printed on the outside of the furnace, and the model number is located on the label found by opening the furnace door.
U.S. Fire Administration Announces Effort to Launch New Fire Information and Analytics Platform
“The new NERIS platform will replace the legacy data system known as the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) with a secure, cloud-hosted platform.”
Media Advisory: USFA Announces New Fire Information Platform (fema.gov)
CPSC: How to Protect Your Family from CO Poisoning and Other Post-Storm Dangers this Hurricane Season
Guam: If you lose power due to #Mawar and are using a portable generator, make sure it is outdoors – at least 20ft away from your home. One portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas you can’t see or smell and it can kill a family in minutes. Never use your portable generator indoors. Never use your generator in your garage, even with the door open.
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using BQQZHZ Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
USCPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using BQQZHZ Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Due to Failure to Alert Consumers to Deadly Smoke and Fire; Sold on Amazon.com. Stop using and dispose of them. Don’t buy or sell them.
1973 vs. 2023: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on 50 years of ‘America Burning’
“The landmark federal report marked a turning point for the U.S. fire service in 1973. Five decades later, many of its recommendations remain relevant – and unmet”
1973 vs. 2023: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on 50 years of ‘America Burning’ (firerescue1.com)
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using PETRICOR, VARWANEO, and WJZTEK Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Due to Failure to Alert Consumers to Deadly Smoke; Sold on Amazon.com
“#Warning: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers to stop using PETRICOR, VARWANEO, and WJZTEK combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The detectors can fail to alert consumers to deadly smoke. Sold Amazon.com. Stop using and dispose of them. Don’t buy or sell them.”
Feds Advance Portable Generator Safety Rule to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
“Saying that manufacturers failed to make generators safer, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is moving forward with proposed regulations to bolster protections. The proposal comes after reporting by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News.”
CPSC Advances New Portable Generator Safety Rule — ProPublica
New CPSC Report Shows Upward Trend in Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fatalities
“For 2019, there were an estimated 250 consumer product-related CO deaths in the United States – greater than any other year in the report. Engine-Driven Tools (EDTs), including generators, were associated with the largest percentage of non-fire CO poisoning deaths for 2019. The report shows that since 2009, portable generators alone have been associated with an estimated 765 non-fire CO poisoning deaths, accounting for 40 percent of all CO deaths related to consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction.”
New CPSC Report Shows Upward Trend in Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fatalities | CPSC.gov
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using GLBSUNION and CUZMAK Digital Display Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using GLBSUNION and CUZMAK Digital Display Carbon Monoxide Detectors Due to Failure to Alert Consumers to Deadly Carbon Monoxide:
Toxic fumes on board airplanes? Airlines may finally have to do something about it
“Lawmakers cited a Los Angeles Times investigation that found that dangerous vapors contaminate the air supply on planes with alarming frequency, sometimes sickening passengers and crew and incapacitating pilots during flights. Over a two-year period, nearly 400 pilots, flight attendants and passengers reported receiving medical attention after these “fume events,” and four dozen pilots were described as impaired to the point of being unable to perform their duties, The Times found.”
Congress tackles toxic fumes on airplanes with new bill – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Serious CO incident raises concern – Paradise Park boiler part recall process not completed
Colorado –
“A serious carbon monoxide (C.O.) incident that resulted in the extensive treatment of a Crested Butte woman on January 19 has raised awareness that further incidents could be an issue in houses built at the same time. All are located in the 800 block area of Gothic Avenue in the Paradise Park neighborhood and the problem appears connected to boilers that were installed with parts that have since been recalled but have not been replaced.”
Ford Explorers don’t need recall for carbon monoxide levels, NHTSA says
“The probe covered nearly 1.5 million Explorers from the 2011 to 2017 model years and involved complaints of sickness and crashes that involved three deaths and alleged there were 657 injuries. Many complaints came from police departments that used Explorer Police Interceptors as patrol vehicles.”
Corps of Engineers Releases Findings of Internal Investigation into Death of Eric Engle
Idaho –
“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.”
CBS News: Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Why aren’t they required everywhere?
“Ashley and her husband Travis started a one-family campaign for change, making calls and sending emails to get CO detectors installed in their children’s school.
‘I was angry, but our anger led to something positive,’ Travis Wilson said.
The school district approved detectors in all schools in the district, thanks to Wilsons’ efforts.”
“Currently, there are no federal laws requiring CO alarms in buildings. Local laws regarding CO alarms and detectors vary across counties and cities and towns. There are exceptions to the regulations as well. Some require them in new buildings but not in existing ones. Some require them in sleeping spaces while other requirements apply only to buildings with a fuel-burning source.
The most recent federal law, Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021, signed by the president, encourages states to adopt tougher standards but does not require the use of CO detectors. It authorizes the Consumer Protection Safety Commission to provide resources to states and encourages the use of alarms. It also establishes a grant program to help states sponsor awareness programs.
But Congress was able to require one federal agency to mandate CO alarms. Following multiple carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development set a deadline of December 27th to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in 3 million of its units nationwide.”
Federal grant program: Nicholas & Zachary Burt Memorial CO Poisoning Act
“The legislation, named the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Act in honor of Burt’s sons, aims to help states adopt tougher standards to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are safe and reliable.
The legislation also authorizes the Consumer Protection Safety Commission to provide resources to states to encourage the use of CO detectors and it establishes a federal grant program to help states set up prevention education and awareness programs.”
A year after 7 Minnesota deaths, a reminder of the threat of carbon monoxide
“A whole family, gone,” said Amy Klobuchar, who was joined in Thursday’s news conference by Cheryl Burt, a Rochester mother who lost two sons to carbon monoxide poisoning in January 1996.
CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using HECOPRO Digital Display Carbon Monoxide Detectors Due to Failure to Alert Consumers to Deadly Carbon Monoxide; Sold on Amazon.com
“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of HECOPRO digital display carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The CO detectors can fail to alert consumers to the presence of carbon monoxide…Carbon monoxide sensitivity tests performed on the detectors found that they failed to alert when exposed to pre-determined concentrations of carbon monoxide (400 ppm), in violation of relevant safety standards. If a consumer installs a CO detector that does not alert to the presence of carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide enters the home, the consumer will not be warned of the presence of this harmful gas, making injury or death very likely…”
CPSC warning: Stop using male to male extension cords sold on Amazon
CPSC warns consumers. Stop using male-to-male extension cords sold on Amazon Electrocution, fire and CO poisoning hazards.
Keyless ignition automatic engine shutoff to be required by Nov. 2023 in effort to curb carbon monoxide deaths
“Congress’ ruling on the issue came in the November 2021 passage of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.” The period of time that vehicles would be allowed to idle without automatically shutting off will be up to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg “as necessary to prevent, to the maximum extent practicable, carbon monoxide poisoning,” according to the law.”
Detecting Deadly Carbon Monoxide on Boats
I thought I had everything I needed onboard my pontoon boat to maximize the safety of myself and all my passengers until I discovered another item that you may not have considered either until you read this. To begin with, I’ll summarize the standard required and recommended safety equipment that most safety-minded boaters have on any boats less than 26 feet long. They include wearable life jackets that fit everyone on board, a throwable rescue device, operable navigation lights, visual distress signals, engine cut-off system, sound producing devices (i.e. horn, water-proof whistles), anchor with line, ventilation (to remove gas fumes from the hull), first-aid kit, communication devices (i.e. cell phone or VHF-FM Marine radio), and fire extinguisher. The critical item I’m now adding to my list of safety equipment is a handheld, portable, carbon-monoxide detector.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not limited to boats with enclosed cabins and it has proven to be deadly on open motorboats. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas created by gasoline-powered engines, including on-board generators that can kill you. It displaces oxygen in your blood and deprives vital organs of oxygen. Even though carbon monoxide has no odor, if you smell exhaust, carbon monoxide is present, but you don’t have to smell anything for it to kill you. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes similar symptoms to dehydration, seasickness, or alcohol intoxication. They include dizziness, weakness, nausea, voting, fatigue, seizure, chest pain, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Wind coming from the aft or rear of a boat can increase the buildup of carbon monoxide on board. It’s best to run a boat so prevailing winds will help dissipate exhaust fumes. If you’re driving your boat at idle speeds or at a fast high-bow angle, both can draw exhaust fumes back towards your boat, especially if there’s a tail wind. This circular airflow pattern of exhaust back towards your boat is referred to as a station-wagon or back-draft effect. Children, older adults, or immune-compromised individuals are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning from this back-draft effect.
After a long day of boating, Andy Free was only nine when he passed out and fell overboard from a docked boat. They were leaving for the day and the engine wasn’t even running at the time that he fell overboard. The Free family’s two older boys were discovered to have high levels of carbon monoxide poisoning, but they survived with medical treatment. The Free family had spent many years enjoying the water and always followed boating safety rules, but they didn’t know about the hidden danger of carbon monoxide poisoning until after their tragic loss of Andy (https://thelittledude.org/).
The family of 7-year-old Afton Taylor also suffered a tragic loss of their son to carbon monoxide poisoning. Afton was a swimmer and he had been enjoying the water since he was 6-months old. Afton fell overboard while sitting in the back of the boat as it was moving slowly in a no wake zone (https://www.lovelikeafton.com).
Carbon monoxide can also be very dangerous in the water around boats because it can accumulate near the water’s surface, especially on calm days with engines running nearby. Ally Sidloski, a 21-year-old woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning after jumping into a lake for a swim off a boat she had been on for the day. Ally was an excellent swimmer, and her parents were shocked to hear that she died in the water because they had never heard of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with boats (https://weplayfor3.com).
The Triple A’s, as the families call themselves in honor of Andy, Afton, and Ally are working together to spread the word about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when boating. They encourage boaters to use a marine carbon monoxide detector, seat children in the forward-most seating on a boat, avoid idling and exposure to emissions from other boats, and maintain fresh air circulation at all times. Also, seek medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition to that list of tips, wearing a life jacket can help in the recovery and resuscitation of someone affected by carbon monoxide. Please wear a life jacket when boating, floating, or swimming around boats because even one breath of carbon monoxide can cause people to pass out and drown.
I’ve purchased a handheld, portable carbon monoxide detector to add to my boat’s safety equipment. My hope is that anyone who boats or swims around motorboats gets one too. Share this information with those you know who enjoy boating and playing in the water around boats so we can prevent carbon monoxide deaths and save more lives on our nation’s waterways! For more information regarding the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when boating visit PleaseWearIt.com and https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/carbon-monoxide.php.
DVIDS – News – Detecting Deadly Carbon Monoxide on Boats (dvidshub.net)
NIOSH: Understanding Multi-gas Monitor Readings – The Importance of Knowing your Equipment
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
(FFFIPP) recommends fire departments ensure all firefighters responding to
natural gas and propane incidents are trained to:
Interpret data from their specific multi-gas monitors to determine if
a hazardous atmosphere is present. This can include low oxygen
levels or dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide, hydrogen
sulfide, or other toxic gases.
Calibrate and maintain gas detection equipment properly by
performing bump testing at the beginning of each shift following
manufacturer’s guidance.
Use of gas detection equipment under a wide variety of conditions
including when at the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive
limit (UEL) of a gas or vapor.
Utilize multi-gas monitor readings to establish isolation zones and
ensure a continuous risk assessment is conducted throughout the
incident.
CPSC – One portable generator produces the same amount of CO as hundreds of cars
“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.”
Several agencies looking at Dworshak Dam death
Idaho –
“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.”
Several agencies looking at Dworshak Dam death | Northwest | lmtribune.com
“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.”
Pressure washers sold at Costco, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot recalled
“‘The electronic start/stop button on the pressure washer can malfunction and self-start, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the unit is in a confined space,’ according to an announcement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Generac has received nine reports of the washers self-starting.”
Pressure washers sold at Costco, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot recalled – pennlive.com
FACE Report: Land clearing and forest product company owner overcome by carbon monoxide
“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
Universal Security Instruments Recalls Combination Photoelectric Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms Due to Risk of Failure to Alert Consumers to Hazardous Levels of Carbon Monoxide
ATSDR – Carbon Monoxide
“This public health statement tells you about carbon monoxide and the effects of exposure to it.”
Carbon Monoxide | Public Health Statement | ATSDR (cdc.gov)
“The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information…”
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR)
CDC Organizational Chart
Links to NIOSH info and publications
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – links to info and publications related to CO:
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970external icon established NIOSH as a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health, and empowering employers and workers to create safe and healthy workplaces. NIOSH is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has the mandate to assure “every man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.”
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards – Carbon Monoxide CAS 630-08-0
CDC – Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH): Carbon monoxide
Worker Health Study Summaries – Toll Collectors & Tunnel Officers | NIOSH | CDC
U.S. Plans New Safety Rules to Crack Down on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Portable Generators
The announcement comes two months after an investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News detailed the deadly cost of the government’s failure to regulate portable generators.
CPSC Briefing Package on Portable Generator Voluntary Standards
Link to pdf:
Commission Briefing Package: Briefing Package on Portable Generator Voluntary Standards | CPSC.gov
Usines Giant Factories recalls gas water heaters due to risk of CO poisoning
Hazard:
The heater’s Emerson control valves can fail to close properly, causing soot to accumulate on the burner, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers.
