Norwalk, OH – The Norwalk Fire Department is continuing to monitor carbon-monoxide readings at American Excelsior after a faulty furnace “compromised” the air quality and made at least one employee sick.
Will Disbrow, general manager, provided an outline of what happened this week.
On Monday, an employee complained about having a headache and general illness.
“That progressed throughout the day,” Disbrow said.
As a result, American Excelsior had firefighters check the air quality.
Firefighters, according to their report, said they performed a carbon monoxide investigation at the Cleveland Road facility, where they received the “highest reading,” which is more than 1,330 parts per million. Firefighters shut down a furnace that appeared to be causing the problem and the CO levels continued to drop.
“They came in and immediately noticed an overabundance of carbon monoxide. I’d say the air quality was compromised because of the overabundance of carbon monoxide,” Disbrow said. “The people who were here were told to leave the building.”
Capt. Dan Hunt said the subsequent CO readings have been in the acceptable range.
“There was a faulty heater and there was a problem with a tow motor,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve been going out there for additional readings. They want to ensure their employees’ safety.”
Some of the employees went to Fisher-Titus Medical Center to be examined Monday, Disbrow said. It’s unknown how many people went to the hospital.
“We’re still working with Fisher-Titus Medical Center and the industrial health services group,” Disbrow said Wednesday.
Firefighters identified a natural gas furnace as the possible culprit.
“That was immediately taken out of service by our maintenance personnel and the fire department,” Disbrow said. “It’s the large version of what you use at home.”
Firefighters, who opened doors to air out the building, explained their findings to a heating-and-air-conditioning technician. They requested the plant supervisor call the station Tuesday morning.
Disbrow said American Excelsior called as many employees as they could at home Monday night to alert them about the situation.
“Our biggest concern was the employee base,” he added.
Early Tuesday, firefighters responded for a follow-up investigation. American Excelsior had been closed since Monday afternoon.
“Much to our satisfaction, they cleared the building,” Disbrow said. “Our shift started at 5 (a.m.).”
During the follow-up call Tuesday, firefighters said the furnace in question had been shut down all night. The crew received readings of 7 and 8 ppm. Firefighters requested management call the station at the beginning of the next shift so they could return for additional readings.
When asked about the monetary loss between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, Disbrow said it was minimal since Monday was a snow day and American Excelsior’s trucking lines weren’t picking up products.
“We couldn’t ship anyway,” he added.
Disbrow said he has been pleased with the way the fire department has handled the situation and crew has been checking in to make sure there are no further high readings of CO.