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Chewy distribution center back open after high CO levels close building

Darke County mother, 2 children OK after CO poisoning Medics carry CO detectors on their bodies. When Tri Village medics responded to a medical call on Hickory Drive Monday, their detectors alerted them to the presence of CO and the house was evacuated. (Steve Baker/Staff)

High levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the Chewy distribution center in Butler Twp. Tuesday, closing the building, according to text messages sent to employees.

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Employees were urged to seek medical attention if they suffered from headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or confusion — symptoms of CO poisoning.

The distribution center is back open today.

Chewy released the following statement today:

"Our number one priority is the safety and health of our team members. As soon as we were made aware of a potential air quality issue, industrial hygienists were brought in to thoroughly test the facility’s air quality and team members were immediately evacuated from the building. Comprehensive testing was completed and the issue was found to be caused by a faulty heating unit. At 5:30 a.m. this morning, working conditions were verified as safe according to OSHA’s workplace health and safety standards and all issues have been fully resolved. The building was reopened and operational today, January 29th at 9 a.m."

Tara Briggs, who has worked at the warehouse for the past two months, said she voluntarily left work today. She said workers started complaining about it on Sunday.

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