Campus bar The Nest is closed indefinitely after two employees were hospitalized and carbon monoxide was detected at the location. The pair were taken to hospital around noon on Thursday as a precaution after “feeling unwell with what appeared to be heat-related symptoms,” according to a Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) spokesperson. They were in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon and later released from hospital. Officials did not confirm what caused their symptoms. Elevated levels of the poisonous gas were found near cooking equipment after they were hospitalized. The Nest will remain closed until an investigation is complete. An industrial hygienist is monitoring the location for carbon dioxide on an ongoing basis. The school says there is no risk to the broader NAIT campus community. The bar’s management, in a statement posted to its website, said the facility received significant upgrades over the summer to address “longstanding kitchen ventilation and temperature concerns.” The school says the work was inspected by the City of Edmonton, which gave the bar an occupancy permit on Aug. 21. However, bar management said “excessive temperatures” have continued to plague the kitchen since the start of the new semester. “NAIT Students’ Association is working with NAIT Facilities Management and Development and appropriate technical professionals to determine what is happening, including the source of the carbon monoxide detected today and the performance of the kitchen’s ventilation and exhaust systems,” the statement from management read. “The immediate incident has been addressed and there is no ongoing emergency. However, The Nest will remain closed until we are satisfied that we can provide a safe and comfortable environment for our staff and customers.” Prior to Thursday’s incident, there were no significant reported injuries or issues at the Nest in the last three months, a NAIT spokesperson said. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless and flammable. Low levels of exposure can result in exhaustion, headaches, flu-like symptoms and impaired motor functions. High levels of exposure can result in dizziness, chest pain, vision loss, or even unconsciousness, convulsions and death in extreme cases.
