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2008 News and Information
Richmond Fire-Rescue Launches New Program to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
12 May 2008The tragic deaths of two workers at a townhouse complex in Richmond earlier this year, highlighted the importance of early detection of high carbon monoxide levels. On May 2, Richmond Fire-Rescue launched a new program to protect their crews, other emergency personnel and the community from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“All of our captains and fire inspectors are now equipped with single gas carbon monoxide (CO) detectors which they wear when responding to all incidents,” explains Deputy Chief of Operations, Stuart Corrigal. “The staff at Richmond Fire-Rescue are dedicated to providing a safer community for all who live here. This is one small way we can help protect our staff, our community and our fellow emergency responders.”
The CO detectors, which are worn on the fire captains and inspectors’ uniforms, will sound an alarm when a carbon monoxide level of over 25 PPM is detected. This will alert crews to the presence of carbon monoxide and give them a “parts per million” reading. A dangerous level of CO is anything over an exposure of 25 PPM. As the level increases, the danger of serious health implications and death occur.
“Since the program launched, we’ve had a lot of interest from other fire departments looking to initiate a similar program in their jurisdiction,” says Corrigal. “These detectors will help crews detect carbon monoxide in workplaces and homes that Richmond Fire-Rescue responds to.”
Richmond Fire-Rescue is the first department in the Greater Vancouver area to equipment fire captains and inspectors with single gas CO detectors.
