Sewerage deaths show toxic gas threat
24 Jun 2015
Multiple deaths in sewer networks this month show why it is vital for workers to pay attention to safety procedures relating to toxic gases, according to a leading gas detection company.
Five people have died in Ireland, India and the US in June due to inhaling toxic gases in sewerages.
In two out of three of these cases more than one person died due to the stand-by worker trying to help the worker in the manhole, as they didn’t realise that the worker had succumbed to toxic gases.
In many cases the message is not getting through
Crowcon
“All three tragedies resulted from workers entering a sewerage system without taking confined space entry precautions,” said gas detection equipment supplier Crowcon in a blog on its website.
“Toxic gases in these environments are a well-recognised threat. For industry professionals, these procedures should be as ingrained as a reflex reaction. Instead, in many cases the message is not getting through.”
The first case occurred in Portmarnock, Republic of Ireland. Two brotherswere undertaking a routine drain repair. One brother entered the drain and collapsed. The second brother tried to rescue him, but also succumbed.
The second accident also involved brothers, this time in Amritsar, Punjab State, India. They were passers-by to an incident in which a sewer worker, overcome by gas, called for help. The brothers went to his aid and succumbed to the gases. All three were rescued, but both brothers later died, although the sewerage worker recovered.
Finally in Hancock County, Ohio, US, a plumber crawled into a septic tank to conduct some work, collapsed and died before he could be rescued.
Toxic gases in sewer systems are common due to the gases being confined to an enclosed space meaning that hazardous gases can accumulate quickly and the concentration of toxic gases in the air can rise rapidly.
These gases come from: leaks from underground fuel tanks; the decomposition of organic matter generating methane or hydrogen sulphide; and the use of generators and fuel-driven tools in poorly ventilated areas using up oxygen and so generating carbon monoxide.
A manufacturer of gas detection technology for 45 years, Crowcon called the incidents “a terrible waste” and commented on its blog “it leaves us all wondering what is needed to prevent such terrible accidents in the future”.
