When the roof was mounted, it led to a malfunctioning boiler and carbon monoxide and methane gases “that were venting out. . .and, due to the direction of the wind at the time, being drawn into the vent intake nearby on the roof that was distributing these vapors and odors into the ICU area,” said Chief Skeels.The heating, venting and boiler systems were shut down as SPFD continued to monitor the air; other firefighters used the ventilation system to clear the air in the ICU area.“At a certain point, the air quality was back to normal and the incident was turned over to hospital staff,” which reported the next day to have found the problem, the boiler, which was found not to be venting or burning well. Chief Skeels added that fire personnel was released from the scene about two hours after they were summoned.To be on the safe side, hospital personnel requested the fire department to return the following morning and double check the air quality. In addition, the hospital will have a carbon monoxide detection system installed.
SPMH-ICU evacuated when toxic gases enter area; boiler blamed
February 23, 2001
Santa Paula News
Four patients in Santa Paula Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit were displaced when a malfunctioning boiler caused toxic gases to enter the facility.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesFour patients in Santa Paula Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit were displaced when a malfunctioning boiler caused toxic gases to enter the facility.The Santa Paula Fire Department responded to the report of unknown odor in the hospital, located at 825 N. 10th St., on Monday, Feb. 5 at about 5:40 p.m., said Chief Paul Skeels.Upon arrival, firefighters detected a smell like natural gas in the ICU area, and checked the air with a gas detector. “It indicated there were significantly increased levels of carbon monoxide and a methane gas,” said Chief Skeels.Four patients in the ICU area and staff were relocated to another area of the hospital and the doors to the unit shut tight while SPFD and hospital staff attempted to locate the source of the gases.
