Carbon Dioxide Suffocates Worker

Two workers were suffocated by gas from a fire extinguishing system they were repairing on a ship.

They were working on the cylinders containing carbon dioxide. Suddenly three of the cylinders discharged, filling the room with pure carbon dioxide gas. Both men ran for the door but collapsed against it inside the room.

Another worker noticed the door was closed, and soon the victims were found inside the room. One died in spite of efforts by a first aid attendant, ambulance workers and finally a doctor. The other victim responded to resuscitation efforts at the scene. He suffered a lapse of memory from one hour prior to the accident to several hours later, so he was not able to tell how the incident occurred. He did say that he and his companion had several years of experience installing fire extinguishing equipment, but not with this particular system.

Training and instruction are vital to any new job. Obtain the information you need before you take on any new task. Working with gases or other potentially harmful substances requires continued training. Working in confined spaces requires special safety procedures.