The presence of hazardous gases in confined spaces has been known for thousands of years. The first wastewater sewer system in ancient Rome, the Cloaca Maxima, was constructed from 800 to 735 BC. A few privileged Roman citizens had internal latrines that were connected directly to the sewer and the odor of "noxious fumes" escaping into the household is well documented. Criminals were often employed to enter the sewer system for cleaning because it was a deadly chore. Today, although it is possible to detect the presence of hazardous atmospheric conditions in confined spaces using an appropriate safety gas detector hundreds of workers still perish in confined spaces every year.
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