Inspector General Raises Safety Concerns at Baltimore DOT Facility

The Baltimore City Inspector General has released a report addressing safety concerns at a Department of Transportation (DOT) facility following complaints regarding unsafe working conditions.

During an inspection in February, officials discovered that the facility had been under a fire watch by the Baltimore Fire Department since 2024 due to malfunctioning sprinklers and fire alarm systems.

The report indicated that the facility was placed under a Level II fire watch, necessitating hourly walkthroughs by assigned personnel who are required to submit daily reports to the fire department.

Upon a follow-up visit this week, investigators noted that an 'out of order' sign remained posted on the facility's entrance.

The DOT acknowledged the validity of the concerns raised and is actively working on necessary repairs. According to the report, the department has secured a contractor for approximately $166,000 to address these issues. Despite the ongoing safety concerns, improvements have been made, including the installation of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), the addition of a compressor to the sprinkler line, and servicing of fire extinguishers.

Employees reported to the Inspector General's Office that hourly checks are indeed being conducted in accordance with the Level II fire watch protocol. However, insulation was found improperly hanging around the sprinkler system, raising additional concerns.

The facility is responsible for various functions, including the maintenance of street signs, fabrication of new signage, and marking city streets and crosswalks. While many employees work on-site intermittently, several staff members spend their entire shifts within the building.

Reported by HarborBeat based on CBS News (source).