Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Laborer Dies ofCarbon Monoxide Poisoning during Sandblasting Operations in Virginia, August 31, 1991

摘要

The case of a 46 year old male laborer working at an antique dealership who waskilled by carbon-monoxide (630080) poisoning while in the process of sandblasting wrought iron chairs was investigated. The employer was engaged in the sale of antiques, marble cutting, sandblasting, and furniture refinishing. There was no written safety policy or program. The victim had changed the filter in the abrasive blasting airline respirator the previous day because the supplied air smelled stale. He resumed sandblasting the chairs at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m., the victim was found lying on the ground unconscious, breathing, still wearing the abrasive blasting respirator. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. Acute toxic poisoning was the cause of death. It was determined that the vanes of the compressor's radiator were clogged, and that the engine of the air compressor was extremely low on oil to the point where it had seized. Evidence of combustion or extreme heat were present at the back end of the compressor, the main discharge line was broken, three electrical safety relays that would detect high ambient oil or discharged air temperature had been bypassed, the filter offered no protection against toxic gases, and a black oil residue was noted in both discharge lines and in the air filtration unit. It was recommended that a comprehensive respiratory protection program be developed; that periodic inspections be made of all equipment and machinery; that safety features incorporated into the design of machinery are in proper working order; and that written safety policy and procedures be developed.