Calgary

3 workers taken to hospital after exposure to toxic gases at Calgary workplace

Three workers were taken to hospital after exposure to toxic gases at their Calgary workplace on Tuesday. 

Exposure was caused by a malfunctioning heater, fire department says

Three workers were taken to hospital Monday after inhaling toxic gases at their southeast Calgary workplace. (David Bell/CBC)

Three workers were taken to hospital after exposure to toxic gases at their Calgary workplace on Tuesday. 

The Calgary fire department said it responded to a 911 call at a business in the 900 block of 48th Avenue S.E. around 5:45 p.m.

Firefighters were met by a worker, who said he was feeling sick and said his coworkers were losing consciousness inside. Crews found two workers inside barely conscious, and discovered that there were high levels of carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases.

The hazardous materials response team ensured the building and nearby businesses were safely evacuated, and set up a perimeter around the space. 

AHS took three workers to hospital. The fire department said that an investigation determined a heater burning recycled alternative fuel had malfunctioned, leading to the release of gases. 

Information was not immediately available as to the workers' conditions. 

OHS said in an emailed statement that it is investigating.