OSHA, S. Elgin continue investigating CO leak

South Elgin firefighters on Monday were back at the scene of Friday’s carbon monoxide leak at the Elgin-O’Hare Commerce Center that sent 38 people to hospitals. The investigation into cause of elevated carbon monoxide is ongoing and the North Aurora office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also looking into it. South Elgin Fire Chief Joe Cluchey said carbon monoxide levels were at appropriate levels Monday. Though the investigation has not reached any fixed conclusions, Cluchey said the initial belief is that it was caused by propane-powered forklifts operating in the building.Cluchey did not comment on the practices of Hydrosil International, the company at 1180 St. Charles St., where readings were the most dangerous, but he said operating forklifts indoors is not rare.#147;Generally you#146;ll see these types of vehicles operated in a lot of industrial facilities,#148; Cluchey said. #147;If we have proper care and ventilation, that#146;s fine.#148;Cluchey said at least one of the forklifts could have been in disrepair or there may have been a problem with the ventilation, all of which will be investigated further in coming weeks.OSHA has six months to investigate the carbon monoxide leak and based on its findings may write citations to Hydrosil International. Because there were no fatalities in Friday#146;s leak, criminal charges will not be filed by the organization, a spokeswoman said. Still, Hydrosil could face monetary fines and would have to fix any workplace violations that are found. A representative of Hydrosil International, a company dedicated to helping businesses remedy pollution problems, declined to comment on the matter. Cluchey said carbon monoxide detectors are only required in single family homes. But since Friday, one business in the commerce center already installed detectors to protect against further problems.#147;Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be generated by fuel-fired appliances,#148; Cluchey said. #147;If you have any of these things, it#146;s certainly advisable to have detectors. It is a very small price to pay to maintain employee safety.#148; All five of the employees admitted to Sherman Hospital overnight Friday were released by Monday according to a hospital spokeswoman.