Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120280201 - Giorgi Cement Co.

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

On May 23, 2000, Employees #1 through #4 were using a self-propelled, gasoline-powered 16 HP Briggs & Stratton concrete cutting saw on a concrete slab in the cold storage room of a large grocery store. The workers were adversely affected by the exhaust fumes to the point that they experienced dizziness, asthenia (weakness), and ataxia (staggering gait). Other employees at the grocery store noticed their symptoms and called paramedics, who transported Employees #1 through #4 to UC-San Diego Medical Center. They were treated with oxygen and released without residual symptoms. The internal combustion engine of the concrete cutting saw emitted carbon monoxide, as well as other harmful exhaust pollutants. The enclosed cold storage room was poorly ventilated and the gases evidently accumulated to dangerous levels.

Keywords: PORTABLE POWER TOOL, VENTILATION, INHALATION, SAW, DIZZINESS, EXHAUST FUMES, CHEMICAL VAPOR, OVEREXPOSURE, CARBON MONOXIDE, CHEMICAL