The Fairfield Twp. Fire Dept. used a tool to measure the employee’s oxygen and carbon monoxide levels, which sounded an alarm for the carbon monoxide. EMS crews then called an engine company to investigate, said Fairfield Fire Captain Jim Coggin.
Crews found a carbon monoxide reading of 25 parts per million in the Target lobby, and found readings as high as 78 ppm throughout the store. Coggin said levels at 35 ppm and higher pose an “immediate danger.”
An equipment or mechanical failure with the propane floor buffer is being investigated as the source of the carbon monoxide.
After the store was evacuated, employees were taken to a vacant store on the Bridgewater Falls premises to stay warm and for further medical monitoring. While there, three additional employees complained of headaches and trouble breathing. They were also transported to Mercy Hospital of Fairfield.
“At Target, the safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority. ... We reopened once we determined it was safe for all guests and team members,” Target officials said in a release.
Coggin said those shopping weren’t checked for carbon monoxide poisoning, and only those that reported feeling ill were transported.
Around 10:45 a.m., crews received a 0 ppm monitor rating after ventilating the structure, and employees were then able to reenter the store.
Crews from Fairfield Twp., Hamilton and Liberty Twp. responded.
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, Coggin said he had not yet heard from Mercy Fairfield on the condition of the patients, and he would not release their names.
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