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Person felt unwell while working in confined space - DEV imca
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Person felt unwell while working in confined space

What happened?

A worker felt dizzy and weak while cleaning a mud tank. The tank watchman noticed this and initiated the emergency rescue procedures to recover the person from confined space.  Following First Aid on-board and further diagnosis of increased blood pressure, the worker had some rest and returned to his duties a few hours later.

What went wrong?

  • There was a failure to safely control the work process: permits and certificates incorrectly issued, incorrect gas-freeing checks, personal gas detector not worn, wrong isolation process (no ‘lock-out’);
  • The rescue equipment was not suitable – there were no certificates to evidence inspection of safety harness, tripod and inertia reel;
  • There was no confined space rescue plan in place;
  • Hazards not identified – The mud loaded previously had no safety datasheet hence the hazards were unknown.

Remember: Uncontrolled work in confined space can lead to fatalities!

What lessons were learned?

  • Thorough check of lock-out/tag-out kits, gas detectors and rescue equipment to ensure properly available and suitable for use.

Members may wish to refer to: 

Safety Event

Published: 28 January 2019
Download: IMCA SF 01/19

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.