Inspection Detail

Inspection: 305993107 - Display Graphics, L.L.C.

Inspection Information - Office: Chicago South Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 5:37 p.m. on December 13, 2002, one hundred and sixty-nine permanent and temporary employees were evacuated by the fire department from an establishment due to high carbon monoxide levels produced by eleven propane-powered industrial (fork lift) trucks. The fire department measured 258 parts per million (PPM) and 5 of a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Symptoms experienced included severe headache, dizziness, chest pains, severe nausea and vomiting. Symptoms had been reported in the week previous to the evacuation. One hundred and four (104) employees were contacted by emergency services. Seventy-seven (77) employees refused medical treatment. Twenty-seven (27) employees were transported to five area hospitals. Five (5) employees were admitted to hospitals. Fire department personnel noted that carbon monoxide levels decreased after the forklift trucks were turned off. A few employees received medical treatment after the date of the evacuation. Blood carboxy-hemoglobin results were acquired with a medical access order (MAO). Three employees were documented as being overexposed to carbon monoxide and seven employees were probably over exposures based on elevated carboxy-hemoglobin levels.

Keywords: RESPIRATORY, HEADACHE, NAUSEA, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, EXHAUST FUMES, OVEREXPOSURE, CARBON MONOXIDE, VOMIT