Stokes County Fire Marshal Letter

Post Office Eox 2O Danbury, NC 27O16 Phone: 33G593-2442 Fax: 336-593-4O I 7

t$€stigations.Inspectlons. FiIe & Ilescue $rpport. Energenc:yMgnt. Firb & Ufe Safety l{lueation

r4-07 Stokes County Animal Control Stokes County Animal Shelter 1999 Sizemore Road Germanton, N.C. 27019 Sarah Shumate Director Dear Sarah,

This letter is in regards to air quality monitoring of the Carbon Monoxide euthanasia system and euthanasia process at the animal shelter on this date. This inspection was conducted using a Rae brand multi-gas monitoring device. This device is equipped to monitor oxygen percentages, lower explosive limit and presence of Carbon Monoxide (ppm). This inspection was conducted during the scheduled weekly animal euthanasia process at the shelter. During the process, the oxygen and LEL levels remained in a safe range. Hazardous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) were detected during the process. The following is a summary of what was found during the assessment"

At the beginning of the euthanasia process levels of carbon monoxide were detected at the Carbon Monoxide supply tank regulator in the range of 200 p.p.m. ( Parts per million). This could possibly be contributed to a leak at the regulator.

During the euthanasia process, levels of carbon monoxide in excess of 1000 p.p.m. were detected on the exterior of the chamber loading door. It is not known what the exact readings were; this is due to the monitor having a maximum reading of 1000 p.p.m. These high levels were monitored while gas was being applied to the chamber. Within five minutes of turning the gas off CO levels were down to the 200-300 ppm range. Clearly the time period while filling the chamber and just after is dangerous.

At the end of the euthanasia process, levels were checked inside the kennel area of the building. It was found that the levels were in the 46 p.p.m. range with the dr:or shut. The levels of carbon monoxide found at the Animal Shelter during the euthanasia process could easily be hazardous to health. depending on the quantity of CO inhaled and length of exposure. Here are some facts about carbon monoxide exposure. These facts come directly from U.S. Coast Guard material safety data sheets, National Fire Protection Association, OSHA standards, and other reliable sources.

a a

Carbon Mcnoxide inhalation can produce the following symptoms: headache. dizziness, weakness of limbs, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, and finally death. Carbon Monoxide is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH Value) at 1"200 pprn. 35ppm - maximum exposure allowed by OSHA in an eight-hour rvorkday, with a ceiling limit of 200 ppm. (This means you cannot be exposed to more than 200 ppm for greater than 15 minutes.) 200ppm - rnild headache, fatigue, nausea and dizziness after 2-3 hour exposure.

400ppm- serious headache- other symptoms intensify after I-2 hours. Life threatening after

3

nours.

a a

a

800ppm- dizziness, nausea and convulsions after 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours. 1600 ppm- 20 minutes * headache, dizziness and nausea. Death within I hour. 3200 pprn- 5-10 minutes- headache, dizziness and nausea. Death within I hour. 6400 ppm- 1-2 minutes- headache, dizziness and nausea. Death within I hour

I to 3 minutes Death

a

12,800 ppm

a

The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. Health effects from exposure to Co levels of approximately I to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible. (This is a direct quote from the American Lung Association).

Exposure to Carbon Monoxide is a hazardous situation. The current equipment does not allow for normal safe work practices. This due to the inability to provide a gas tight chamber and the fact that an employee has to approach the chamber to open the unit. Procedures and rules are needed to operate this equipment and to maintain minimal employee safety. I would recommend the following corective action be taken to reduce employee exposure to Carbon Monoxide. Employees are exposed to extremely high levels of CO while I of the unit during the euthanasia process. 1000+ ppm.

if

standing next or within 10ft.

Recommendation: The chamber should be moved after loading to a location at the entrance of the fenced area for operation. This will prevent employees from being near or approaching the rear of the chamber while appiying CO or re-entering the building. Distance from tlre operator and the chamber should be twenty feet. After gas flow is shut-off employees should wait five minute before approaching the chamber within twenty feet. This will provide time for CO levels to dissipate to near 200 ppm. A method for remotely opening the chamber with a rope or cable would assist in the ventilation process. Ernployees may be exposed to CO from leaks at the regulator and supply hose"

Recommendation: Check for leaks in the hose and regulator prior to each connection to the chamber.

The ahove are my recommendations after reviewing the process. I am obviously not an expert with your operatir:n and would welcome any alterations to these recommendations from you or your staff. My goal is to procedurally keep employees away from the chamber while it is under gas. If you have any questions or require flrlher please contact me at 593-2462. Sincerelv.

Bradley Cheek Fire Marshal