Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Two Construction Workers Die inside Sewer Manhole in Indiana, July 21, 1987

摘要

The case of a worker for a construction company who died when he entered a 7-foot deep sewer manhole with toxic and oxygen deficient atmosphere was examined. The worker was employed by a family-owned construction company with a written, one page safety policy addressing employee responsibility, general safety guidelines, confined space safety, and injury reporting. At the time of the accident the worker and his foreman were looking for an existing sewer manhole near a new housing project. Apparently the men located the sewer manhole, removed the cover, and the foreman entered the hole through a 24 inch diameter manway opening to check for sewer grade. The foreman collapsed in the hole. The second man, attempting to save the first, also collapsed in the hole. Atmospheric testing of the manhole revealed 15.7% oxygen at 3 feet, decreasing to less than 5% at 6 feet. Also at 6 feet, a 2% methane (74828) concentration was detected and a 0.1 to 0.2% hydrogen-sulfide (7783064) concentration. The cause of death for both men was listed as asphyxiation. No confined space entry should be made without checking the atmosphere in the space. Employees should be carefully instructed concerning the dangers in confined space entry. The employer should develop a more comprehensive safety policy and procedures manual.