HSE warns construction workers of "silent killer"

News | HSW
01.04.2007

The HSE has warned construction site workers of the dangers of using engine-powered equipment in confined or poorly ventilated areas. The executive issued the warning  on 14 February, as it took over the lead in an investigation into the deaths of three workers poisoned by carbon monoxide on a construction site in December last year.

Kirpal Singh, Menjit Singh and Gurdeep Singh Deol were all sub-contracted tilers who had been working at the upmarket St James Homes site at Kennet Island in Reading since March 2006. They were found overcome by fumes in a metal storage container used to store site materials.

Post-mortems and the provisional findings by Thames Valley Police showed the deaths were consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. At this stage of its investigation, the HSE believes the carbon monoxide source was a petrol-operated generator running inside the steel storage container. Early reports from the scene had suggested that the men might have been staying overnight in the store, using the generator to keep warm. But the HSE has said it does not appear the men were sleeping in the container.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which can take minutes to reach hazardous levels in a confined space.

"People need to be aware that plant and equipment powered by engines are potential killers if they are not used with adequate ventilation," said HSE inspector Karen Morris. The HSE is also warning workers to watch out for (flueless) open flame heaters fuelled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.