Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Three Construction Supervisors Die from Asphyxiation in Manhole, August 19, 1988

摘要

The case of three deaths of construction workers in an oxygen deficient manhole was examined. The men were employed by a construction company which had a written safety program but no policy on confined space entry. The assistant construction supervisor entered a manhole to close the gate valve. The foreman, who was watching the man, yelled to his superintendent that something was wrong and that he was going down into the manhole. The superintendent rushed over and also entered the hole. At no time prior to entry had the atmosphere in the manhole been checked. All three men were found collapsed at the bottom of the hole. The cause of death for the three workers was listed as asphyxiation. Tests of the atmosphere after the manhole had been closed for 8 days indicated that the oxygen content at 10 feet was 18.4%, decreasing to 15.2% at 22 feet. It is recommended that the employer develop and implement specific procedures for confined space entry. Such procedures should be posted where they will be noticed by employees. The atmosphere of a confined space must be tested prior to entry. Personal protective equipment and clothing should be available and the employees trained in their proper usage. Confined space rescue procedures should also be designed.