HSE warns of carbon monoxide threat in pheasant sheds and similar buildings - 3 April 2007

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today reminded owners and users of gas-fired poultry brooder heaters of the potential health risks associated with their use.

The warning follows an investigation into the tragic death of part-time beater 37-year-old Lindsay George Redpath in 2006. Mr Redpath died at Balbirnie Estates, Fife, when sleeping overnight in a pheasant-rearing shed occasionally used as a bothy. Carbon monoxide (CO) from the gas-fired heater accumulated in the shed and Mr Redpath was overcome as he slept.

Lawrence Murray, the HSE Inspector who led the investigation into Mr Redpath’s death said:

"The LPG fired heater was open flamed and flue less - a type of heater that should never be used in sleeping accommodation because of the possible danger of death. Even though the heater was found to be in good working order, a phenomenon known as atmospheric vitiation resulted in incomplete combustion of the fuel gas, leading to the production of high levels of CO as Mr Redpath slept. No one should ever sleep in pheasant rearing sheds heated by gas fired poultry brooder heaters".

The investigation also highlighted the importance of adequate ventilation in such sheds, to protect those working there with the young pheasant chicks. Manufacturers of brooder heaters specify the ventilation requirements for their appliances. Care must be taken to ensure that proper ventilation openings are provided rather than relying on the "adventitious ventilation" provided by gaps beneath doors and holes in walls. Ventilation arrangements should be checked by a competent heating or ventilation engineer, and should be sufficient for the maximum number of heaters used in a shed.

"Headaches are often an early sign of exposure to excessive levels of carbon monoxide." Mr Murray warns "Anecdotal evidence that came to light during the investigation suggests that workers attending to chicks and young birds in brooders may experience headaches, particularly in smaller sheds. Others, such as fishermen, who may use similar accommodation, may experience a similar problem. Owners and users of gas-heated sheds should take this opportunity to check the adequacy of the ventilation. They should also check that the heaters are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and consider displaying warning signs stating that sheds with gas brooder heaters should not be used as sleeping accommodation."

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