Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 14549760 - Inhalation Of Toxic Gas In A Manhole

Accident Summary Nr: 14549760 -- Report ID: 0454713 -- Event Date: 08/18/1986
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
18443853	08/20/1986	4952	0	Winchester Utility-Administration

Abstract: EMPLOYEE #1 ENTERED A 12 FOOT DEEP MANHOLE TO CLEAR A 12 INCH PLUGGED SEWER MAIN. THE MANHOLE WAS LOCATED ABOUT 450 FEET BEHIND A PRIVATE RESIDENCE ON 811 HIGH STREET. EMPLOYEE #2 AND ANOTHER EMPLOYEE REMAINED OUTSIDE THE MANHOLE TO WATCH EMPLOYEE #1. EMPLOYEE #1 SUDDENLY SAID HE COULDN'T BREATHE AND TRIED TO CLIMB OUT OF THE MANHOLE. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB OUT AND FELL TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE MANHOLE. EMPLOYEE #2 TRIED TO TALK TO EMPLOYEE #1 WITH HIS HEAD NEAR THE TOP OF THE MANHOLE. HE ALSO WAS EXPOSED TO THE TOXIC GAS IN THE MANHOLE AND WAS HOSPITALIZED OVERNIGHT. EMPLOYEE #1, WHO WAS KILLED, WAS EXPOSED TO THE TOXIC GAS 10 TO 15 SECONDS BEFORE EXPERIENCING BREATHING DIFFICULTIES.

Keywords: respiratory, confined space, air monitoring, toxic atmosphere, inhalation, manhole, respirator

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	18443853			Fatality	Asphyxia	Miscellaneous plant and system operators
2	18443853			Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Miscellaneous plant and system operators

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