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Accident: 171043151 - Six Employees Overexposed To Carbon Monoxide

Accident: 171043151 -- Report ID: 1055350 -- Event Date: 01/03/2003
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
30598951901/03/20035148C M Holtzinger Fruit Co Inc
On January 3, 2003, at least six employees entered the cold room to inventory fruit. Two propane-powered forklifts accompanied the inventory crew. Work began at approximately 6:00 a.m. and by 9:00 a.m., several workers began feeling dizzy with headaches; several thought they were getting the flu. After their break, they returned to work. There was no ventilation in the cold room which resulted in forklift exhaust gases to accumulate causing an increase in airborne concentrations of toxic exhaust components, including Carbon Monoxide. By 10:30 a.m., the cold room workers were overcome by the fumes. Many were nauseous and vomiting. Emergency Medical Services were called and six employees were taken to local hospitals. Employees #1 and #2 were admitted for overnight treatment and observation, and employees #3 through #6 were not hospitalized. The local Fire Department evacuated the plant until the Carbon Monoxide level was lowered. The Fire Department measured airborne Carbon Monoxide concentrations at 600 ppm in the cold room. It was later determined that forklift #4 was defective and was emitting 4.5 CO at exhaust.
Keywords: lung, asphyxiated, vapor, inhalation, gas, industrial truck, exhaust fumes, freezer compartment, carbon monoxide
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 305989519 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
2 305989519 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
3 305989519 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
4 305989519 Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
5 305989519 Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Miscellaneous plant and system operators
6 305989519 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported

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