Fatal Accident Summary Report: Two Confined Space Fatalities during Construction of a Sewer Line, March 8, 1984

摘要

The case of two workers who were killed at a sewer construction site was examined. On March 8, 1984 a labor foreman, and a 20 year old worker entered the sewer to start a gasoline engine driven pump installed to remove existing sewage from the pipe during construction activities. A haze was noted and the first worker reported dizziness. The first worker became unresponsive and the foreman went for help. Seven workers and the underground superintendent entered the pipe in unsuccessful attempts to rescue the worker. It was concluded that the cause of death was exposure to high levels of carbon-monoxide in a confined space. Several recommendations were made, including the generation of safe alternatives for an effective temporary barrier in the new sewer, locating the pump outside of the sewer, providing adequate ventilation for workers required to enter the sewer, testing the atmosphere prior to entering the sewer, appropriate worker training; compliance by management and local supervisors with policies and procedures governing confined spaces, and the development of safe job procedures and rescue efforts.