Safety Superstore

Worker Dies Due To Confined Spaces

Worksafe-confined-spacesWorkSafe has warned companies and workers about the dangers of working in confined spaces following the conviction of a tank cleaning company last month after the death of a worker.

The Altona North company was convicted and fined $500,000 after a worker was overcome by chemical fumes and died in a large empty tank.

The company, which cleans and repairs storage tanks for the chemical industry, pleaded guilty on one count of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and another of failing to properly train and instruct its employees.

WorkSafe’s investigation found that the worker, who was found dead inside the 25,000 litre tank on 16 August, 2007, had used a chemical to remove latex from inside the tank but could not be revived by the workmates who found him.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the company’s training and application of appropriate safety standards were inadequate and that the company failed to provide or maintain supervision of workers. Such oversights included:

  • The use of inappropriate breathing equipment while tanks were being cleaned.
  • No written safety procedures for the use of paint stripper used to clean the inside of the tanks.
  • Written procedure and training for confined space entry and relevant protective equipment were not in Vietnamese, which would have been appropriate to workers involved in the tank cleaning work.
    No use of confined space entry permits.
  • The inability of the company to produce a Material Safety Data Sheet on the day of the worker’s death.
  • Failure to conduct a rehearsal of emergency procedures.
  • The Director of WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture Program Ross Pilkington said whether tanks, silos drains or pits were involved; confined spaces were high-risk, high-consequence environments, the risks of which are magnified with the addition of chemicals and gasses.

“Safeguards include having, and using, systems of work which incorporate safe work procedures, appropriate atmospheric testing and personal protective equipment to save lives.

“Developing hazard identification and risk assessment systems to control access such as a ‘confined space entry permit’ is a common approach,” said Mr Pilkington.

To see WorkSafe’s confined work space health and safety guidelines, click here.