Public Service Committee Hears Carbon Monoxide Bill Filed by NAGE
July 7, 2009
A bill that would require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in all government and commercial buildings was heard by the Public Safety Committee after its filing by NAGE. Local 207 President Theresa McGoldrick and NAGE Legislative Director Ray McGrath testified at the hearing. Senator James Timilty and Representative Michael Costello chaired the committee.
Although by law, all residential units must have a working carbon monoxide detector, the same law currently does not apply to commercial and government buildings. A carbon monoxide leak at the Department of Revenue Worcester office in May 2008 prompted NAGE to file House bill 2219, which would extend the law to non-residential properties.
The Worcester DOR leak led to the evacuation of 150 people and the hospitalization of several employees—two of whom were med-flighted to trauma centers and placed in hyperbaric chambers. One of the more seriously injured employee remains on disability and may never be able to return to work.
“We are very lucky that the Worcester incident didn't’t result in more permanent disabilities and even deaths,” said McGoldrick. “By passing this bill, we can prevent tragedies by simply requiring carbon monoxide detectors in the workplace. People should be able to feel safe from carbon monoxide poisoning whether they are at work or in their home.”
National President David Holway is closely following the bill and is encouraged by the bill’s support.
“I join Theresa [McGoldrick] and Ray [McGrath] in thanking the committee for holding a hearing on this bill and for the broad support we have received for its passage,” he said. “We’re looking to this committee for their leadership in getting this bill passed into law to prevent future tragedies and to save lives.”
Boston Fire Fighters Local 718 President Ed Kelly and the PFFM President Bob McCarthy also spoke in support of the bill.
Read coverage of the May 2008 incident