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Hedlund FH. Confined space hazards: Plain seawater, an insidious source of hydrogen sulfide. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:322-328. [PMID: 37159506 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2211638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2022, a confined space entry accident occurred on a Danish product tanker in which two technicians died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning during the inspection of an empty cargo tank that had contained vegetable cooking oil. The source of the hydrogen sulfide was enigmatic. About three weeks before the accident, the cargo tank was prewashed with seawater. The wash water did not seem likely to present a toxic hazard and was left in the tank. However, the seawater's natural content of dissolved sulfate was converted to sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria, and the low-sulfur vegetable oil residue provided the nutrients necessary for bacterial growth. Calculations confirm that sulfate in just 10 m3 of plain seawater is sufficient to create an immediately fatal concentration of H2S gas in the 4,500 m3 cargo tank of the product tanker. Accident statistics show that fatal accidents within enclosed spaces are a serious and stubborn problem. Strict adherence to routine forced ventilation and extensive gas testing of cargo tanks before entry would offer simple and effective preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Huess Hedlund
- COWI, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- DTU/Compute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Design of a digital tool for the identification of confined spaces. J Loss Prev Process Ind 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2022.104731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Towards a software architecture to manage occupational safety at grain handling and storage facilities. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2612. [PMID: 35173242 PMCID: PMC8850590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The study had as objective to evaluate occupational hazards on grain storage unit to define a conceptual model, implemented in an algorithm to manage the grains storage facilities safety standards compliance. Sampling points location were defined for static quantification of noise, dust and heat stress hazards in grains pre-processing operations to indicate the effectiveness of the control measures implemented. Safety standards applied to grain handling and storage facilities were identified and selected. Chart flows were elaborated to the algorithm logics and conceptual modeling. The highest level of noise was present in the grain cleaning operation (99.1 dB), while the expedition operation has the highest level of dust (20.27%). The heat stress was present in the grain drying operation (43.64 WBGT). Noise analysis did not show a difference between grains, only between operations. The flow of corn grain mass caused higher dust concentrations in the expedition operation. The method applied to characterize and quantify the hazards in grain storage units was satisfactory, and it is recommended as standard, for use in corn and soybean grains handling and storage units. The algorithm to manage occupational safety at storage facilities collaborates to monitor the safety compliance on postharvest operations.
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Ngah H, Mohd Hairon S, Hamzah NA, Noordin S, Shafei MN. Development and Validation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire: Toward Safe Working in Confined Spaces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031242. [PMID: 35162265 PMCID: PMC8835496 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Confined space workers do a wide range of tasks, many of which have a significant risk of hazardous exposure. Hence, a reliable and valid questionnaire is important in assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of workers in this field. The present study was conducted to develop and validate a questionnaire that could assess the KAP for safe working in a confined space. The questionnaire went through a development and validation process. The development stage consisted of a literature review, expert’s opinion, and evaluation by experts in the field via cognitive debriefing. The validation stage encompassed exploratory and confirmatory parts to investigate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. A total of 350 participants were recruited among confined space workers from two oil and gas companies in Malaysia. The two-parameter logistic item response theory (2-PL IRT) analysis was used for the knowledge section. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used in the attitude and practice sections of the validation stage. The development stage resulted in 30 items for knowledge, attitude, and practice sections. Items in the knowledge section showed an acceptable difficulty and discrimination, as noted during the 2-PL IRT analysis. The EFA resulted in a one-factor model for attitude and practice sections, and contained 18 items, with factor loading > 0.4. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.804 and 0.917 for attitude and practice sections, respectively. The CFA for attitude and practice sections indicated a good model fitness (Raykov’s rho = 0.814 and 0.912, respectively). All items indicated good reliability and valid psychometrics for determining KAP on safe working in a confined space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamiza Ngah
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (H.N.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Suhaily Mohd Hairon
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (H.N.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Nurul Ainun Hamzah
- Environmental and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Shahronizam Noordin
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Bangi 43650, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Nazri Shafei
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (H.N.); (S.M.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Qian Z, Wei L, Mingyue W, Guansheng Q. Application of amine-modified porous materials for CO2 adsorption in mine confined spaces. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Bellochio SDC, Coradi PC. Systematic review of occupational hazards at postharvest grain operations. Inj Prev 2021; 28:165-174. [PMID: 34656989 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Agriculture stands out in relation to the high number of occupational incidents and diseases. In this sense, grains postharvest operations, such as receiving, precleaning, drying, storage and shipping the grains, are highlighted in the number of injuries and fatalities. AIM To identify and extract qualitative and quantitative data related to the main occupational hazards present in grains postharvest operations at preprocessing and storage facilities. METHODS A systematic review was carried out in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science for papers published between 1980 and 2019. The abstract should have described a study related to any occupational hazard (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and mechanical) and at least one of the occupational hazards should be related to any postharvest operations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS In total, 42% of 38 analysed papers were published between 2015 and 2019. Three journals were responsible for 45% of publications related to occupational hazards present in grains postharvest operations. The most part of analysed publications related to confined spaces, grain entrapment, machine entanglement and falls hazards are related to Purdue University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program which applied research in occupational safety at grains postharvest. CONCLUSIONS The creation of standardised internationals can collaborate to reduce occupational risks in grain storage units. It is suggested the development of monitoring technologies to obtain real-time information on noise, dust, gases and heat in postharvest operations and equipment. The use of intelligent algorithms can create prevention mechanisms for possible occupational risks and avoid injuries to employees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Carteri Coradi
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Campus Cachoeira do Sul, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Lin BSM, Lin CY, Kung CW, Lin YJ, Chou CC, Chuang YJ, Hsiao GLK. Wayfinding of Firefighters in Dark and Complex Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158014. [PMID: 34360307 PMCID: PMC8345462 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Firefighters searching in dark and complex environments might lose their orientation and endanger themselves at the fireground. This study conducted experiments in the Training Facility of the New Taipei City Fire Department (NTFD), Taiwan. The objective of the experiments was to analyze the profile of each firefighter by a 13-factor self-report survey and their wayfinding time in dark and complex environments (DCEs). The results showed that age might be a marginally significant factor, and fear of confinement might be a significant factor that could affect firefighters' wayfinding time in the DCEs. The findings could provide strategies for improving the safety of firefighters working in such environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beckham Shih-Ming Lin
- Department of Architecture, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City 106335, Taiwan; (B.S.-M.L.); (C.-Y.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Ching-Yuan Lin
- Department of Architecture, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City 106335, Taiwan; (B.S.-M.L.); (C.-Y.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Chun-Wei Kung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Da-Yeh University, Changhua 515006, Taiwan;
| | - Yong-Jun Lin
- Center for Weather Climate and Disaster Research, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Chung-Chyi Chou
- Department of Fire and Safety, Da-Yeh University, Changhua 515006, Taiwan;
| | - Ying-Ji Chuang
- Department of Architecture, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City 106335, Taiwan; (B.S.-M.L.); (C.-Y.L.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Gary Li-Kai Hsiao
- Department of Disaster Management, Taiwan Police College, Taipei City 11696, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Human factors analysis of China's confined space operation accidents from 2008 to 2018. J Loss Prev Process Ind 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Naghavi K Z, Mortazavi SB, Asilian M H, Hajizadeh E. Exploring the Contributory Factors of Confined Space Accidents Using Accident Investigation Reports and Semistructured Interviews. Saf Health Work 2019; 10:305-313. [PMID: 31497326 PMCID: PMC6717835 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The oil and gas industry is one of the riskiest industries for confined space injuries. This study aimed to understand an overall picture of the causal factors of confined space accidents through analyzing accident reports and the use of a qualitative approach. Methods Twenty-one fatal occupational accidents were analyzed according to the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System approach. Furthermore, thirty-three semistructured interviews were conducted with employees in different roles to capture their experiences regarding the contributory factors. The content analyses of the interview transcripts were conducted using MAXQDA software. Results Based on accident reports, the largest proportions of causal factors (77%) were attributed to the organizational and supervisory levels, with the predominant influence of the organizational process. We identified 25 contributory factors in confined space accidents that were causal factors outside of the original Human Factors Analysis and Classification System framework. Therefore, modifications were made to deal with factors outside the organization and newly explored causal factors at the organizational level. External Influences as the fifth level considered contributory factors beyond the organization including Laws, Regulations and Standards, Government Policies, Political Influences, and Economic Status categories. Moreover, Contracting/Contract Management and Emergency Management were two extra categories identified at the organizational level. Conclusions Preventing confined space accidents requires addressing issues from the organizational to operator level and external influences beyond the organization. The recommended modifications provide a basis for accident investigation and risk analysis, which may be applicable across a broad range of industries and accident types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Naghavi K
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed B Mortazavi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Asilian M
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Hajizadeh
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Smith TD, Herron R, Le A, Wilson JK, Marion J, Vicenzi DA. Assessment of confined space entry and rescue training for aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) members in the United States. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2018; 67:77-82. [PMID: 30553432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fire and emergency service workers, including Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting members, may be called on to perform confined space entry and rescue operations. The purpose of the present study was to develop a comprehensive and valid understanding of the present state of confined space entry and rescue training effectiveness and resultant compliance or use of best practices among trained Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel. METHOD The study used a convergent, parallel mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data (n = 20) were collected via semi-structured interviews at four locations. Data were coded, analyzed and super-ordinate and sub-ordinate themes were derived. Quantitative data (n = 158) from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting members were analyzed. RESULTS Interviewees believed there is a lack of standardization in training, but believed training should not be completed in the same format every time. Several participants (50%) desired more realistic training. Other concerns were associated with staffing, personal readiness, and resource adequacy. With regard to survey outcomes, most respondents reported that their organizations completed confined space training (69.8%), but only 55.3% indicated this training was conducted as a full-scale exercise and nearly 40% indicated that rescue practice was not performed despite standards mandating annual rescue practice. Following training, 55.4% indicated training evaluation information was not presented. CONCLUSIONS Participants mostly agreed their training effectively addressed OSHA requirements, such as how to test the atmosphere, the need for and use of personal protective equipment, how to identify pertinent permit information and methods to retrieve victims in limited space. Some gaps exist between current training practices and established training requirements and standards. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting organizations need to bolster aspects of their training, particularly with regard to standardizing training efforts, practicing rescues, providing evaluation feedback and written materials and providing adequate resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D Smith
- Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Public Health, Department of Applied Health Science, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Rene Herron
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide Campus, College of Arts & Sciences, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Aurora Le
- Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Public Health, Department of Applied Health Science, Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John Keith Wilson
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide Campus, College of Aeronautics, Department of Undergraduate Studies, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - James Marion
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide Campus College of Business, Department of Decision Sciences, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Dennis A Vicenzi
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide Campus College of Aeronautics, Department of Aeronautics Graduate Studies, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
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Botti L, Ferrari E, Mora C. Automated entry technologies for confined space work activities: A survey. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:271-284. [PMID: 27754794 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1250003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Work in confined spaces poses a significant risk to workers and rescuers involved in the emergency response when an accident occurs. Despite several standards and regulations define the safety requirements for such activities, injuries, and fatalities still occur. Furthermore, the on-site inspections after accidents often reveal that both employers and employees fail to implement safe entry procedures. Removing the risk is possible by avoiding the worker entry, but many activities require the presence of the operator inside the confined space to perform manual tasks. The following study investigates the available technologies for hazardous confined space work activities, e.g., cleaning, inspecting, and maintenance tasks. The aim is to provide a systematic review of the automated solutions for high-risk activities in confined spaces, considering the non-man entry as the most effective confined space safety strategy. Second, this survey aims to provide suggestions for future research addressing the design of new technologies. The survey consists of about 60 papers concerning innovative technologies for confined space work activities. The document review shows that several solutions have been developed and automation can replace the workers for a limited number of hazardous tasks. Several activities still require the manual intervention due to the complex characteristics of confined spaces, e.g., to remove the remains of the automatic cleaning process from the bottom of a tank. The results show that available technologies require more flexibility to adapt to such occupational environments and further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Botti
- a Department of Management and Engineering , University of Padua , Vicenza , Italy
| | - Emilio Ferrari
- b Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Cristina Mora
- b Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Burlet-Vienney D, Chinniah Y, Bahloul A, Roberge B. Risk analysis for confined space entries: Critical analysis of four tools applied to three risk scenarios. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2016; 13:D99-D108. [PMID: 26864350 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1143949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Investigation reports of fatal confined space accidents nearly always point to a problem of identifying or underestimating risks. This paper compares 4 different risk analysis tools developed for confined spaces by applying them to 3 hazardous scenarios. The tools were namely 1. a checklist without risk estimation (Tool A), 2. a checklist with a risk scale (Tool B), 3. a risk calculation without a formal hazard identification stage (Tool C), and 4. a questionnaire followed by a risk matrix (Tool D). Each tool's structure and practical application were studied. Tools A and B gave crude results comparable to those of more analytic tools in less time. Their main limitations were lack of contextual information for the identified hazards and greater dependency on the user's expertise and ability to tackle hazards of different nature. Tools C and D utilized more systematic approaches than tools A and B by supporting risk reduction based on the description of the risk factors. Tool D is distinctive because of 1. its comprehensive structure with respect to the steps suggested in risk management, 2. its dynamic approach to hazard identification, and 3. its use of data resulting from the risk analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Burlet-Vienney
- a Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
- b Mathematics and Industrial Engineering Department , Polytechnique Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Yuvin Chinniah
- b Mathematics and Industrial Engineering Department , Polytechnique Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Ali Bahloul
- a Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Brigitte Roberge
- a Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
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