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. Officials did not confirm what caused their symptoms. The poisonous gas was found after they were hospitalized. The Nest will remain closed until an investigation is complete. 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.” However, they 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.” The Nest said it would provide an update when more information is known. 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.
