Accident Due to Inhalation of The Toxic Gas

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An accident involving 6 workers, who died from inhalation of the toxic gas, was reported on August 11, 2009 at about 8.45 am in a private fisherman jetty at Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor. Investigation that was carried out found that the jetty is also used to keep and store stock of fishes that have been discarded from the sorting out process of the daily harvest from the sea. They are kept in the storage compartment (contained seawater and cooled by cooling gas chlorofluoromethane or R22) for a few days before it is sent to a processing fertilizer or fishmeal plant. Gas measurement carried out on 12, 13 and 14 August 2009 showed that there was presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The highest rate recorded was 172 ppm measured on August 12, 2009. This rate is higher than 100ppm, which is the Immediate Dangerous to Life or Health or IDLH level. At 100 ppm, the gas can kill the human sensory cells and causes nausea, dizziness and fainting effects to the victim. At a level of 300 ppm, the person will suffer a loss of equilibrium and a sudden shortness of breath.

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a highly toxic gas. It smells like rotten eggs, has no color and heavier than air. This gas can dissolve in water and will be released from the water when stirred. It can be produced through decomposition of the stock of fishes in an enclosed space.

Some of the recommended preventive safety measures that should be implemented when working in situation involving risk of exposure to toxic gases:

 

1. Risk assessment of such process involving exposure of the workers to toxic gases shall be undertaken and suitable safety measures adopted to safeguard the workers’ safety and health if found to be necessary.
2. Workers need to be suitably trained and instructed about the process undertaken in the workplace and are duly aware of the toxic gases that are emitted from the process. Chemical Data Sheet on such gases shall be made available in the place of work for the workers’ attention, reference and guide.
3. Gas measurement shall be undertaken to ensure that there is no presence of toxic gases beyond the safe permissible levels before allowing the workers to enter the fish storage compartments.
4. If a worker is found unconscious after entering the compartment, the other employees must notify the employer immediately about the need to rescue the affected workers. They should not attempt self-rescue which will also expose themselves to such risk.
5. Suitable self contained breathing apparatus [SCBA] for such toxic gas shall be used during any rescue work.

 

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