Earlier this year I came across an interesting incident that occurred during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise in Vancouver Island, Canada. I further investigated by contacting WorkSafe BC directly, who then got me in touch with the Fire Chief of the FD that conducted the exercise. Here is what happened in September 2013 and what the FD believes led to this incident…
A fire department was preparing to conduct a confined space rescue exercise. Two firefighters donned airline respirators run from a tank on the rescue truck. After wearing the respirator for about 10 seconds, one firefighter fell unconscious for about 15 seconds but regained consciousness once co-workers removed the respirator. A second firefighter felt light-headed and dizzy but was able to remove the respirator while the first firefighter was being attended to. Both firefighters were transported to hospital for observation.
Injury: Temporary loss of consciousness (1 worker); lightheadedness, dizziness (1 worker)
Industry: Public Sector
Core Activity: Confined space rescue exercise
Location: Vancouver Island/Coastal B.C.
Date of Incident: 2013-Sep
A fire department was preparing to conduct a confined space rescue exercise. Two firefighters donned airline respirators run from a tank on the rescue truck. After wearing the respirator for about 10 seconds, one firefighter fell unconscious for about 15 seconds but regained consciousness once co-workers removed the respirator. A second firefighter felt light-headed and dizzy but was able to remove the respirator while the first firefighter was being attended to. Both firefighters were transported to hospital for observation.
Posted: 2013-Oct-07 ID: 2013173560127
Here is the response from the FD and the actions they took to prevent future incidents.
Good Afternoon Bryan, Fire Chief Smith asked me to respond to your request for information on our incident. At the time of the training exercise incident, all members on site submitted statements as to their role in the exercise. All equipment was impounded. A third party representative in the Occupational field was hired to oversee testing on equipment and air supply and to submit a report on those findings. Samples were drawn from numerous sources. Supplied air hoses were sent back to factory to have them checked and tested for any issues.
It was determined that a breathing airline hose tested positive for high levels of CO. The hose may not have been connected together during storage to ensure a closed loop system. Truck exhaust may have entered into the hoses. All of the other tests were within normal ranges. Several changes were made including the following:
- Storage of hoses was moved to opposite side of truck away from exhaust.
- Training to ensure flushing of the air system before donning of supplied air.
- Regular flushing and exchanging of air within the storage bottles.
- All hoses are to be connected to ensure a closed system
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact myself directly.
Greg Chow
Assistant Chief/Training Officer
Colwood Fire Rescue
3215 Metchosin Rd
Colwood, B.C. V9C 2A4
P. 250-478-XXXX
F. 250-478-XXXX
[email protected]