Eight workers were hospitalized after a carbon monoxide leak occurred at an underground construction site for Gwangju Urban Railway Line 2. Investigators found carbon monoxide levels exceeded 200 ppm, which is more than six times the legal workplace limit of 30 ppm. Fire authorities suspect a generator operating in the enclosed underground space caused the buildup of toxic gas. All affected workers, including both Korean and foreign nationals, are reported to be in stable condition.
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Using a combustion generator in a confined underground space is a basic failure in project execution. Why wasn't there a temporary power drop or a proper ventilation system in place for grinding work?
It usually comes down to cost or laziness. Running a long cable from the surface is a pain, so they just drop a diesel genny in the hole. The payback on a proper vent system is immediate when you aren't paying for eight hospitalizations.
The 30 ppm limit is standard, but the fact that it hit 200 ppm suggests a total lack of monitoring. I wonder if the safety procurement rules for this railway project actually require real time gas sensors or just periodic checks.
