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Confined Space

A Real PA Story

 

Two workers were found dead Thursday, July 11, 2019 in a sewer manhole in Aldan, Delaware County, police said.  A rescue operation for the pair began about 11:15 a.m. after coworkers reported the two were unresponsive in the manhole at West Rively and South Sycamore Avenues in Aldan, PA.

 

Rescuers pulled both workers from the manhole around noon but the men, both believed to be in their early 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene, Aldan Police Chief Kenneth J. Coppola said.

 

The two were part of a four-man team from A to U Services in Glenolden, who were conducting dye tests in the sewer line, officials said. It has been assumed that the workers were overcome by gases or a lack of oxygen.

 

A full investigation by OSHA and local authorities is underway. Read the article here.

 

Planning ahead before entering manholes and other confined spaces is essential to your safety. Take time to recognize the hazards of the space and follow safe work practices.


What is a Confined Space?

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Permit Required Confined Space

A Permit Required Confined Space will contain all of the above, plus one or more of the following:

  • a substance that has the ability to engulf or asphyxiate the entrant

  • a potentially hazardous atmosphere

  • inwardly converging walls within the space or a floor the slopes downward

  • any other serious safety or health hazard

 

Safe Work Practices:

Where possible, avoid entry to confined spaces. Establish if the work is necessary or if it can be done in another way that avoids the need to enter.

 

If entry is unavoidable then safe work practices are essential.

 

  1. Make sure you have all relevant information, knowledge and experience to carry out the work.


  2. Find out if the space has been classified permit or non-permit required confined space. If it has not been classified, see the information above to determine the need for a permit.


  3. Procedures & Equipment

    1. Air Monitoring is conducted to determine the presence of atmospheric hazards. If present, ventilation is needed.

    2. Ventilation must be suitable for the work. Temporary ventilation may be needed.

    3. PPE – Ensure PPE is available and appropriate for the work.

    4. Isolation – You may need to isolate or barricade the area to unauthorized personnel.

    5. Communication – Set up communication between those inside and outside the space.

    6. Rescue Planning – Put emergency arrangements in place before work begins. Ensure 911 can be contacted quickly.

  

The Safety & Health Manual located on One Note has more information related to Confined Space Safety. Please refer to the manual and see your supervisor if you have any questions, concerns or need clarification.


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