SEVERAL OTR Hungry Jacks drive-thru workers were sent for a precautionary hospital check up on Saturday afternoon after a safety equipment failure caused carbon monoxide levels to elevate at the Coleraine Rd site.

Customers used to waiting in their cars to buy fast food and drinks won’t have that convenience until repairs are completed after the incident meant the store needed to be temporarily evacuated.

Carbon monoxide levels exceeded safe levels due to the ventilation systems inadequately removing the dangerous gas from the drive-thru waiting area, with a sensor detecting the situation; the manager on duty made the decision to remove staff and customers from inside the store while the situation was further assessed.

As a result, the drive-thru was closed throughout the remainder of the weekend and into the week, with a sign blocking the entrance.

The staff were believed to have been taken to Hamilton Hospital for a checkup after the detection, including being given oxygen as a precautionary measure, but none showed serious signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is present in car exhausts and enclosed spaces with vehicles running typically needing sufficient fresh air movement to make sure concentrations don’t get too high for air to be breathable.

The gas is odourless and good ventilation along with detection systems in at-risk indoor areas are critical as victims are usually unconscious before they realise they are in trouble; the gas decreases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

35 parts per million is considered the maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure to any eight-hour period according to Occupational Safety & Health Association – it is believed the level at the site exceeded 100 when the decision was taken to evacuate.

WDHS acting chief medical officer, Dr Andrew Bradbeer, said the situation could easily have been more serious.

“This incident reminds us how important it is to have good air flow in places where engines run,” he said.

“Breathing in carbon monoxide can cause symptoms like headaches, feeling sick, red skin, muscle pain, trouble breathing, or chest pain. For more information about carbon monoxide, check the Victorian Health Department website at health.vic.gov.au

“What happened over the weekend is a reminder for people working in areas with exposure to carbon monoxide to know that even small amounts over time can be harmful. If you think you might be at risk, talk to your employer and your doctor. If it’s an emergency, call 000.”

Repairs were still to be completed at time of print and it was unknown when the drive-thru would reopen.