Environmental Testing Laboratory

Huntington Beach, CA, September 5^th, 2019

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) recently announced the agency had cited two employers for serious accident-related health and safety violations after two workers were poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) while in a confined space at one of California’s international airports.

Plumbers, working to replace sewer lines in a crawl space, used a gasoline-powered saw to cut through concrete when they were overcome by carbon monoxide gas emitted from the equipment. One of the workers lost consciousness before emergency crews arrived.

“These workers were fortunate because performing work in confined spaces can be deadly, especially when oxygen levels are reduced or when deadly gases are present,” said Cal/OSHA Deputy Chief of Enforcement Debra Lee. “Employers must identify and evaluate potential hazards before workers enter confined spaces so they can ensure workers are trained and a rescue plan is in place in case of emergency.”

One of the companies involved was cited over $50,000 by Cal/OSHA for eight violations, including two serious accident-related, two serious and four general in nature. The other is facing $18,000 in proposed penalties for one serious accident-related violation for failing to communicate with the first company about confined space hazards and precautions.

Exposure to high enough levels of carbon monoxide can cause sudden illness and death. All people can be at risk for CO poisoning, but certain groups, such as unborn babies, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are often more susceptible to its effects. Common symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication and may include headache, confusion, fatigue, seizures, dizziness, loss of consciousness and nausea.

LA Testing offers air testing services and a broad range of field instruments, air monitors and data logging instruments that can detect carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.

To learn more about air monitoring instruments or environmental and industrial hygiene testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.