Person felt unwell while working in confined space
- Safety Flash
- Published on 28 January 2019
- Generated on 20 August 2025
- IMCA SF 01/19
- 1 minute read
A worker felt dizzy and weak while cleaning a mud tank.
What happened?
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.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 08/03
3 July 2003
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