Coroner's Finding: Burling, Gregory
Deceased
Gregory John Burling
Demographics
male
Date of death
2016-01-10
Finding date
2017-11-01
Cause of death
carbon monoxide intoxication due to inhalation of exhaust from a petrol generator
AI-generated summary
Gregory John Burling died from carbon monoxide intoxication in the cabin of a boat at Gepp Parade Marina, Tasmania. A portable petrol generator in an enclosed machinery space had a poorly constructed exhaust system with a blocked muffler, holes in plastic piping, and improper hose clamps. Exhaust gases were forced back into the cabin. Alcohol consumption (0.149 mg/100mL blood) masked symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (59% saturation). The absence of a carbon monoxide detector meant no warning of danger. The death was entirely preventable: the generator should never have been installed in an enclosed space, the exhaust system should not have been modified, and a detector should have been fitted. Clinicians may encounter similar scenarios in rescue/retrieval contexts; awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning presenting with non-specific symptoms is important.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- portable petrol generator installed in enclosed machinery space
- home-made exhaust extension system with holes
- blocked muffler obstructed by shower fitting
- inadequate hose clamp securing exhaust extension
- absence of carbon monoxide detector
- alcohol consumption masking symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
- generator not serviced by qualified dealer
- no adequate ventilation in machinery space
Coroner's recommendations
- All petrol driven generators should only be used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, in particular not be installed in a confined space and not have the exhaust system modified in any way
- All boats with enclosed cabins and which have petrol driven motors of any type installed be fitted with a carbon monoxide detector
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