In a tragic incident highlighted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agricultural worker died from asphyxiation after entering a polyethylene storage tank to repair a ball valve without practicing confined space safety measures. This incident underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing all confined space hazards in agricultural settings.
Incident Overview
The worker, who was attempting to repair a ball valve inside a 12’x12′ polyethylene storage tank, was lowered through a 16-inch diameter hole at the top of the tank using a forklift. The forklift operator, unable to monitor the worker’s progress inside the tank, climbed to an adjacent bin and discovered the worker lying face down at the bottom of the tank. The tank contained liquid whey, which can produce carbon dioxide gas as it decomposes. The combination of high outdoor temperatures and direct sunlight on the tank likely accelerated the decomposition of the liquid whey, releasing lethal carbon dioxide gas and reducing oxygen levels inside the tank.
Key Safety Failures
The employer failed to recognize the storage tank as a confined space with potential hazards. This tragic incident highlights the need for comprehensive safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Safety Recommendations
Employers can take several actions to reduce worker exposure to confined space hazards:
- Identify and Label Confined Spaces: Clearly label all confined spaces, including bulk liquid storage tanks, corrugated steel bins, silos, septic tanks, and fermentation vessels.
- Evaluate Confined Spaces for Hazards: Conduct thorough evaluations to determine if confined spaces contain actual or potential hazards.
- Train Workers: Ensure that workers are trained to never enter a confined space unless safety measures are in place.
- Use a Written Confined Space Entry Permit System: This system should ensure that:
- Hazards are identified before entry.
- The atmosphere is tested for oxygen content, flammability, toxicity, and explosion hazards.
- The space is properly ventilated.
- An attendant maintains communication with the entrant.
- Appropriate equipment such as fall protection, retrieval systems, air monitors, personal protective equipment, and lighting are used.
- Develop an Emergency Action Plan: Ensure that an emergency action plan is in place and communicated to all workers.
Training and Resources
Safety Made Simple offers comprehensive courses on various safety topics, including many on confined space entry. To learn more about specific training courses built around confined spaces, click the course below:
- SMS012 Permit Required Confined Space Entry: Atmospheric Monitoring and Ventilation
- SMS013 Hazardous Atmospheres In Confined Spaces
- SMS014 Permit Required Confined Space Entry: The Basics
- SMS215 Air Quality In Confined Spaces
Implementing confined space safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of incidents and ensure a safer working environment in the agricultural industry.