Employee #1, a maritime surveyor, entered a ballast compartment on a barge. The compartment had previously been closed for some time and Employee #1 did not test the oxygen content of the atmosphere.
He became ill while he was inspecting the compartment and called for help. Employee #2, who worked for the barge company, was standing on the deck of the barge. When he heard Employee #1 call for help, he entered the compartment in an apparent rescue attempt. He, in turn, became ill and could not make it out. Employee #2 was asphyxiated in the compartment. Employee #1 was able to reach the ladder and, after a short time, climbed to safety.
What went wrong?
Proper safety rules entering a confined area were not followed. Entering the ballast compartment of a barge can pose multiple asphyxiation hazards, not only from low oxygen but also from leaked fuel, oil or biological contamination in standing water.
Breathing apparatus was not used and is essential when entering a compartment whose air has not been tested. A guide rope is also recommended in the event a crew member needs to be rescued, whether from air quality problems or because of light failure.
