Posted on Fri, Feb 11, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
Propane welder caused elevated carbon monoxide levels that closed Ann Arbor City Hall
By Cindy Heflin
Elevated carbon monoxide levels that closed Ann Arbor City Hall Thursday were caused by a propane welder on the first floor, an Ann Arbor city official said Friday.
Bob Cariano, safety manager for the City of Ann Arbor, said a contractor was using the welder and emissions from the equipment activated carbon monoxide detectors.
The building was evacuated and because it was late in the day, workers were sent home, he said.
"We monitored last night and this morning and everything was back to normal," he said.
He said the welder was removed from the building.
Comments
John Hritz
Tue, Feb 15, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
If the fuel was propane, you can get carbon monoxide as a combustion product if the mix is wrong (too little oxygen). Are we sure this wasn't a cutting torch that was left on?
actionjackson
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
Propane does not produce Carbon Monoxide! The danger of propane in an enclosed area is the oxygen loss! More research is needed on this problem.
eone
Sun, Feb 13, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
what on earth is a PROPANE welder please help a dumb old construction worker
Ann English
Sat, Feb 12, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
A contractor using welding equipment at a municipal building. Was he expected to do that? It sounds like builders could learn something from industrial buildings, which have air vents built in for emissions of solder smoke.
Tom Joad
Fri, Feb 11, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.
This is the problem with modern buildings, aka "sick" buildings. The windows cannot be opened so occupants are dependent on the buildings ventilation system. CO quickly collects and spreads throughout the closed shell.
clara
Sat, Feb 12, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
I would if my CO alarm was going off
SonnyDog09
Sat, Feb 12, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
Even if the windows could be opened, who would do so when the temperature outside is below zero?