Safety

Tip of the week: Check generators for carbon monoxide venting

Hospital Safety Connection, July 23, 2008

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Hospital Safety Connection!

A Massachusetts nursing home experienced high levels of carbon monoxide--more than 10 times a normal reading--after a power outage automatically kicked their generator into gear.
 
The administrator at Taunton Nursing Home believes the exhaust from the generator was sucked into the air conditioner ventilation system and dispersed throughout the home, causing the CO2 problem, according to The Boston Globe.
 
Two nurses reported feeling dizzy during the power outage, but the rest of the home was unaware of the poisonous leak until firefighters arrived to evacuate the residents and employees. The fire department was alerted by the nursing home’s carbon-monoxide sensors. There were no reported injuries.
 
Be aware of your generator’s proximity to your vents, and periodically check your carbon monoxide detectors. Taunton Nursing Home’s resolution was to reroute the generator’s exhaust ducts to the roof, away from the air conditioner, reported The Globe.
 
You may also want to contact your local fire department to make sure they have a reading on your carbon monoxide sensors.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Hospital Safety Connection!

Comments

0 comments on “Tip of the week: Check generators for carbon monoxide venting ”

 

    Hospital Safety Center

  • Hospital Safety Center

    Improve compliance with hospital safety standards from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulators with this...

  • Healthcare Life Safety Compliance

    Learn Life Safety Code tips and interpretations for healthcare facilities with this in-depth monthly resource.

  • Hospital Safety Connection

    Stay on top of hospital safety requirements and best practices with our free, fast-paced weekly update.

  • Administering Your OSHA Program

    This course will help an employee new to the role of OSHA safety officer. It gives an overview of OSHA requirements and...

  • Medical OSHA Manual Combo

    Get into compliance with Quality America's OSHA Safety Program Manual and stay in compliance with OSHA Watch Newsletter...

Most Popular

Related Articles