A worker engaged in routine maintenance of a pump located six feet below in a sump inhaled poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas and collapsed. Another person who tried to rescue the exposed was overcome, collapsed and died. Shift supervisor who tried to rescue the persons also lost his life. Four others who tried to rescue were also exposed to the poisonous gas.
This incident shows lack of use of self contained breathing apparatus by the workers involved in such jobs and supervision. Whether the work atmosphere is monitored for toxic gases and sufficient ventilation is provided is to be ascertained. Even if the work is required to be done only for few minutes, people involved should use necessary safety gear, as many think it is a short job and thus don't need self contained breathing apparatus. Rescue procedures in such incidents also need to be planned before start of work so that there will not be any delay to save the lives. It should form part of procedure to inform fire service crew and doctors before taking up any such work that help can be rendered in shortest time possible during any eventuality.
Though, these procedures are made and followed in industrial establishments, similar procedures should be made compulsory in departments where persons are likely to be exposed to hazardous environment, where person have to work in confined spaces and so on. If somebody has to work at a place which is not meant for regular use, it should be treated as confined space and safety procedures for confined space should be followed.
