Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1754589 - Luis A Ayala Colon Sucrs Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Puerto Rico Area Office

Investigation Summary

THE AFFECTED EMPLOYEES WERE UNLOADING FROZEN TUNA FISH FROM A REFRIGERATED HOLD OF THE MARITIME VESSEL, PEARL BAY. THE HOLD (A CONFINED SPACE) IS LACATED ABOUT 30 FEET UNDER THE WEATHER DECK. SINCE THE FISH CARGO WAS FROZEN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HOLD, AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION FORKLIFT TRUCK (TOWMOTOR MODEL 502P) WAS LOWERED INTO THE HOLD TO HELP LOOSEN THE FROZEN FISH. THE FORKLIFT WAS FUELED BY LP GAS. THE EMPLOYEES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY EXPOSED TO THE CARBON MONOXIDE GAS WHICH WAS GENERATED BY THE FORKLIFT. THE HOLD'S ATMOSPHERE WAS NOT TESTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE, AS IS REQUIRED.

Keywords: RESPIRATORY, CONFINED SPACE, INHALATION, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, EXHAUST FUMES, SHIP, CARBON MONOXIDE