A reminder on the importance of using a personal carbon monoxide monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident
In light of an incident where first responders were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) reminds all fuel contractors of the importance of using a personal CO monitor when entering a building with a suspected incident.
TSSA investigated an incident involving a fatality where the fuel appliance was producing very high levels of CO (more than 60,000 parts per million). When first responders entered the building, they suffered CO poisoning shortly after.
The last responder to enter the building had a personal CO monitor that alarmed them, and he immediately ordered everyone to evacuate. This action limited the effects of the CO exposure, allowing them to exit safely.
As CO is undetectable and given this near miss, TSSA strongly advises that crews have at least one personal CO monitor for use when entering a building with an incident.