[EAS] Engineer Deaths

[Adrienne Abbott]

Mike/Kevin--
Most of our transmitter sites have generators with a two week or more fuel
supply. Between winter storms and wildland fires, extended power outages are
common and both radio and TV stations here prepare for those emergencies.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office conducted a preliminary investigation at
the site and determined that the deaths were not suspicious. OSHA does not
investigate cases involving contract workers. Both men were working on
contract, so there were no other investigations. 

As you know, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which can
overcome victims very quickly, especially at a site where the air is very
"thin". This site is well over 7000 feet in elevation. It wouldn't be
unusual to have a headache after working at that altitude for most of the
day in cold weather. 

I hope this helps explain the situation. There's not much else to say,
except that their deaths should serve as a warning to the rest of us.  

Adrienne Abbott, W6BCY
Nevada EAS Chair

Mike wrote:
How did they become exposed to that level of CO? Most sites don't have
equipment other than generators which create CO. While I could see mountain
top/side sites having heaters, large scale fuel supply is a challenge making
the effort a harder decision. That is unless it comes with the service
provider in the form of a fueled space heater. This flatlander just isn't