Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314858903 - David Ornelas Dba David & David Flooring

Inspection Information - Office: Los Angeles District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 25, 2011, Employee #1 and Employee #2, with David Ornelas Dba David & David Flooring, arrived to install ceramic flooring installation in the commercial building. Electric service had been turned off to the inside the building since renovation work had begun at the worksite three weeks prior to the incident. Employee #1 and Employee #2 found the general contractor's Powermate 5,000-watt portable gasoline powered generator stored inside the building. The generator did not contain gasoline. Employee #1 and Employee #2 traveled to a nearby gasoline station, purchased gasoline and refilled the generator. The employees then used the generator inside the building to supply electricity to halogen lights and a ceramic tile saw. The employees used the generator inside the building with all doors and windows closed. Another subcontractor found Employee #1 and Employee #2 unconscious inside the building. Employee #1 and Employee #2 were transported to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital and later transferred to UCLA for treatment in a hyperbaric chamber to undergo treatment of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The employer had never visited the worksite and the general contractor had been present at the worksite for several days prior to the incident. During those times, the general contractor stated that the generator had always been used outside the building.

Keywords: ENCLOSED SPACE, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, POISONING, TOXIC FUMES, CARBON MONOXIDE