Interesting PRCS Atmospheric hazard data (BLS)

I use this graph in my PRCS training and it always seems to get a lot of discussions, so I thought I would share it here.   SAFTENG members can download my training materials from the Member’s Area “Document Library.  But this particular graph shows us the Number of fatalities from 2011-2017 from a single inhalation episode by chemical and if this event occurred inside a PRCS or not –  QUITE TELLING…

NOTE: Fatal occupational injuries involving confined spaces rose 15% in 2017!!!!

Non-members may find and compile this data @ BLS.gov

Of the fatal single episode inhalations of chemicals and chemical products from 2011 through 2017:

• 37% occurred in a confined space (110 fatal injuries)
• 100% of the fatal single inhalations of methane gas occurred in a confined space (9 fatal injuries)

Other chemicals and chemical products that led to fatal injury after a single inhalation in spaces that were confined and not confined were:

• toluene (5 fatalities),
• solvents and degreasers (7 fatalities),
• dichloromethane (8 fatalities), and
• coal, natural gas, petroleum fuels, and products (11 fatalities)

These data are from the Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program and include workers in the private sector and government.

To learn more, see “National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2017.” We also have more charts on fatal work injuries. For more on related Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, visit “Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances” and “Confined Spaces.”