Overview of the incident
Eleven staff members were treated in hospital for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning following an incident at a Marks & Spencer site on Gallions Road in Charlton, south-east London. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus conducted a thorough sweep of the building after elevated readings of carbon monoxide were detected. The incident underscores the hidden dangers of CO in workplaces and the importance of rapid response by emergency services.
What happened and the immediate response
Emergency services were alerted to concerning readings of carbon monoxide inside the Charlton site. Fire crews arrived with specialised equipment and, using breathing apparatus, began a controlled sweep of the premises. The operation aimed to identify the source of the CO, ensure the area was safe for anyone on site, and treat anyone affected by exposure. Several hours into the response, eleven individuals were transported to hospital for assessment and treatment as a precaution and to monitor potential progression of symptoms.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: why it happens
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate in buildings due to malfunctioning heating, ventilation, or fuel-burning equipment. In retail or commercial settings, problems can arise from boilers, generators, or other appliances that fail to vent correctly. Because CO is invisible, early signs are often misattributed to other conditions, making prompt detection and evacuation critical for safety.
Recognising symptoms
Common early symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and confusion. If multiple people in a building develop similar symptoms simultaneously, it should raise concern for a potential CO exposure and trigger an emergency response. Anyone who experiences symptoms while in a building with potential CO should seek fresh air and call emergency services immediately.
What the emergency response involved
Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus performed a gas screening and area-wide ventilation as needed. After confirming elevated CO levels, responders concentrated on safe evacuation and isolating the source. Healthcare professionals then assessed affected staff for CO poisoning, administering treatment as appropriate and monitoring vital signs. While the investigation continues, building management will likely implement safety checks and ventilation improvements to prevent a recurrence.
Implications for employers and staff safety
This incident serves as a reminder to employers about the importance of regular maintenance of combustion appliances, proper ventilation, and CO detectors in workplace environments. Routine checks can catch issues before they lead to dangerous exposure. Employers should also have clear evacuation and emergency response plans that staff are familiar with, and ensure trained personnel respond promptly to any reports of illness or unusual symptoms among employees.
What people can do to stay safe
- Install and maintain CO detectors in areas with fuel-burning equipment and sleeping or work zones.
- Schedule annual servicing of heating, ventilation, and boiler systems by qualified engineers.
- Know the symptoms of CO exposure and act quickly if multiple people report similar signs.
- Ensure clear evacuation routes and confirm that a designated person is responsible for contacting emergency services in a suspected CO incident.
Looking ahead
Investigations into the source of the elevated readings at the Charlton site will determine the exact cause and necessary remedial actions. In the meantime, affected staff are receiving medical evaluation and care, and the workplace is likely to undergo comprehensive safety reviews to prevent future incidents. This event highlights the critical role of rapid firefighting intervention and medical readiness in safeguarding the health of employees in commercial settings.
Conclusion
With eleven staff treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Charlton, the incident emphasizes the importance of vigilant safety practices in workplaces with potential gas or combustion-related risks. Through proactive maintenance, installed detectors, and swift emergency response, such emergencies can be identified, managed, and prevented in the future.
