BRANFORD >> Firefighters rescued a Fischer Excavating worker Friday morning who was found disoriented and confused because of carbon monoxide exposure while working inside a confined space at a local marina.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was contacted and is investigating. The worker’s name was not released.

Fire Department personnel responded Friday morning to Bruce and Johnson’s Marina, 145 S. Montowese St., where there was a report of an injured person, Fire Chief Jack Ahern said in a release.

Upon arrival, workers found a man who had apparently been welding inside a metal work barge that belongs to Fischer Excavating.

The man was removed from the barge and was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital. On the way, paramedics administered oxygen and other medical aid. Deputy Chief John Masci said the man became much more aware and his condition improved on the way to the hospital.

Masci said the man was working in a confined space without proper ventilation when a co-worker recognized his symptoms. Masci said the co-worker was “key to removing him from the noxious environment.”

Fire Department personnel had readings of 30 ppm of carbon monoxide within the hull of the barge, which is enough to cause serious illness and even death, the release said.

Masci alerted OSHA, which sent a representative to the scene. The fire marshal also was on scene, where an investigation is ongoing.