We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of two of Robbie Keane’s cousins from H2S poisoning. The regulations for working in a confined space where H2S can be present are extremely strict for precisely these reasons. Sewers are often depicted as handy get away routes in films and the dangers are not appreciated by the general public. Hidden dangers can be present and detection of them in good time is essential.
The awful case where former Irish international footballer Robbie Keane’s cousins died from H2S poising highlights the shocking lack of safe guards. They had a ladder rather than a winch, no monitor, no rescue man. They were wearing waders, rain jackets and one had a dust mask. They were so ill prepared for the risks they were entering that they can’t have had any comprehension of the dangers.
There is no full proof list for a confined space risk assessment. You need to observe the site, test it for regular risks and prepare for any potential dangers that are relevant to the site. A key element of sewer risk assessment is to test for H2S.
A priority for confined space work is to spend as little time as possible within the confined space as they can be dangerous environments. This is where MEGATRON and our incredibly powerful tankers come in! They reduce the time spent within the confined space! Less exposure means less risk of H2S gas altogether. We had a job in Stratford where our monitors picked up H2S gas and extra breathing apparatus was brought in to conduct the work.
Hydro Cleansing engineers were fitted with sealed masks, after undergoing a face fit test to ensure outside air wouldn’t get through the seal. The masks were connected to pressurised air tanks on a breathe trailer above through an air line. The engineers also have an emergency air tank on them with 10 minutes’ worth of air in case the main air line is cut or damaged.
Reducing the risks goes far beyond economics and Hydro Cleansing take the most safety precautions possible because we appreciate the risks and value the lives of our engineers.
The post Dealing with the Risk of H2S Gas in Confined Space Work appeared first on Hydro Cleansing Ltd.