11 Workers Sickened by Carbon Monoxide: Officials

ROCKVILLE, MD — Nearly a dozen workers were sickened by carbon monoxide gas about noon Wednesday as they worked to renovate the Fresh Baguette site at 804 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, said that 11 workers were affected by the potentially deadly gas.

Six workers were taken by ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. Piringer said none of the injuries were non-life-threatening; five more workers refused medical treatment.

The high levels of carbon monoxide were caused by a truck idling outside the building, and an oven that wasn't properly vented, Piringer said.

A supervisor called emergency authorities after workers standing on ladders grew lightheaded, Bethesda Magazine reports.

HazMat crews were called to the site to assess the carbon monoxide levels in the building.

Piringer also shared a reminder on how residents can guard against carbon monoxide poisonings, which are most common in the winter because of improperly ventilated or malfunctioning heating sources. Families can better protect themselves by having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and in sleeping areas.

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional annually.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Have qualified professionals install fuel-burning appliances and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in enclosed spaces. Keep doors open to the rest of the house to help promote proper ventilation.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool to avert the buildup of carbon monoxide, especially at night while families sleep.
• Do not run a fuel-powered engine, such as a vehicle or generator, inside the home or in an attached garage or carport. CO fumes can seep into the home through air intake valves, baseboards, doors and windows.

»Photos of CO exposure at Fresh Baguette, courtesy of Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services