A review from the Office of the Fire Commissioner has determined that there were no carbon monoxide detectors inside the Portage Avenue Super 8 Hotel when 46 people fell ill due to carbon monoxide poisoning in July of this year.
According to the review carbon monoxide from a hot water boiler was venting into an area that allowed it to be pulled back into the air exchange system and circulated throughout the hotel.
At the time of the incident on July 9th carbon monoxide monitoring equipment from Manitoba Hydro and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service found dangerously high levels form 65 parts per million (ppm) on the main floor to 380 ppm on the third. The basement had levels of 190 ppm.
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health ordered the hotel to put carbon monoxide detectors in place. The hotel complied and installed seven units in public areas as well as three additional units that can also detect propane and natural gas in areas where gas appliances are used.
“The safety of Manitobans is always of paramount concern,” said Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires. “We are working with the City of Winnipeg to further develop standards that will help to prevent life-threatening incidents like this from ever happening again.”
© News4.ca 2020
