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.
Executive Summary (cdc.gov)
“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
FACE Report: Land clearing and forest product company owner overcome by carbon monoxide | 2022-04-24 | Safety+Health (safetyandhealthmagazine.com)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – links to info and publications related to CO:
About NIOSH | NIOSH | CDC
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.”
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health – Official Organizational Chart – updated 5/20/2020 (cdc.gov)
Carbon Monoxide | NIOSH | CDC
Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Carbon Monoxide (73-11000) | NIOSH | CDC
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
NIOSH Hazard ID 3: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After the Use of Explosives in a Sewer Construction Project
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