Actually carbon monoxide is the silent killer, but a recent event in Newfoundland involving a contractor's generator sent several crew members to the hospital via emergency air lift. The generator was installed inside the service trailer and vented outside, a common practice. The trailer was also equipped with two CO detectors. Yet somehow the work area became inundated with CO, a colouress, odourless and tasteless gas that mixes evenly with air, and the workers were rescued just in time to save their lives. Many of the provincial safety and compensation websitcs have information on preventing, recognizing and treating CO poisoning, and all are worth a look (WCB has a three-page report on CO in the marine industry, but many of the considerations apply: www.worksafebc.com. WCB for NWT/Nunavut features a bulletin on their home page that would make a good one-page reminder to post in the service trailer: www.wch.nt.ca). For situations comparable to the one in Newfoundland, however, the main recommendations would include:

* Prohibit the use of gasoline/diesel powered engines or tools indoors or in poorly ventilated areas (even when vented or placed outside hut near a service trailer, CO poisoning can result from certain weather conditions, or of course via blockage).

* Install an industrial grade CO detector, and - here's the clincher - follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, use and maintenance.

* Configure, inspect and maintain the engine exhaust system to ensure that exhaust gases cannot enter crew spaces.

* Ensure all crew members know the hazard of CO buildup and can recognize the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning (i.e. headache, watery/itchy eyes, nausea, weakness, dizziness).