OSHA Accident Investigation · Summary #912717
OXYGEN DEFICIENCY,ASPHYXIATED,CONFINED SPACE,TANK CLEANING,HOSE,AIR HOSE,RESPIRATOR
Event description
EMPLOYEE HOSPITALIZED DUE TO CONFINED SPACE ASPHIXIATION
Investigation abstract
On April 24, 1989, Employee #1 entered molecular sieve dehydrator number 3 throu rt period of asphyxia but did not sustain any permanent health effects. gh an opening at the top to vacuum the molecular sieve beads. Nitrogen was used to purge the dehydrator creating an oxygen deficient atmosphere. The nitrogen pu rge drives out natural gas and maintains a non-explosive atmosphere. Soon after entering Employee #1 had difficulty breathing. The standby man observed this and pulled Employee #1 out of the dehydrator. Employee #1 was wearing an airline re spirator manufactured by ISI with a full-face mask. However, the air hose broke at the connection to the air bottle used for escape. Employee #1 was given oxyge n and taken to the hospital. The doctor indicated Employee #1 had suffered a sho
Victim
-
#1 Hospitalized Age 39 M
- Nature of injury
- 2
- Part of body
- 4
- Event type
- 12
- Source
- 43
- Occupation code
- 999
- Human factor
- 1
- Environmental factor
- 18
- Hazardous substance
- 1900
- Task assigned
- 1
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