Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 170383202 - Employee Overcome By Sewer Gas During Blowout

Accident Summary Nr: 170383202 -- Report ID: 0950632 -- Event Date: 04/28/1995
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
126014000	09/26/1995	4952	0	San Diego City Water Utilities Dept

Abstract: At approximately 10:00 a.m. on April 28, 1995, Employee #1 entered a 4 1/2 ft deep sewer manhole containing an air release (AR) valve. The valve appeared loose, and while he inspected and scraped rust off a 3/4 in. pipe thread plug installed on the valve, the plug blew out. Sewer gas escaped from the plug hole. Employee #1 was overcome and tried to exit the manhole, but could only get halfway out. A coworker, who was providing traffic control, removed Employee #1 from the manhole, then contacted the company's communication dispatch center and requested emergency assistance. The fire department and paramedics arrived and treated Employee #1, then transported him to a nearby hospital. Employee #1 was treated and released at about 4:10 p.m. the same day.

Keywords: sewer, confined space, work rules, gas, valve, toxic fumes, manhole, overexposure

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	126014000			Non Hospitalized injury	Other	Engineering technicians, n.e.c.

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