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On November 5, 2005 two contractor employees were asphyxiated while preparing to reassemble a pipe on a pressure vessel while it was being purged with nitrogen. The first worker, in an attempt to retrieve a roll of tape from inside the vessel, was overcome by nitrogen, collapsed in the vessel, and died. His co-worker, the crew foreman, was asphyxiated while attempting to rescue him.
Valero Delaware City Refinery2006-2-I-DE-R1
Conduct safe work permit refresher training for all permit-preparers and approvers and affected refinery personnel and contractors.
Emphasize:
- All proposed work requires a jobsite visit by the requestor and a unit operator to identify special precautions, equipment status, and personal safety equipment requirements.
- The conditions for marking the "nitrogen purge or inerted" (Yes/No/NA) status box.
- The permit must clearly identify all hazards and special personal protective equipment requirements.
- "Fresh Air" work restrictions apply to "Set up only" permits whenever an IDLH atmosphere is suspected or known to be present in the work area.
Status: Closed - Acceptable Action
2006-2-I-DE-R2
Conduct confined space control and inert gas purge procedure refresher training for all affected refinery personnel and contractors. Emphasize:
- The requirements to maintain posted warnings at all access points to confined space temporary openings.
- The requirements to maintain posted warnings, barricades, and access control log at equipment during purging.
- An oxygen-deficient atmosphere rapidly overcomes the victim.
- There is no warning before being overcome.
- An oxygen-deficient atmosphere might exist outside a confined space opening.
- Rescuers must strictly follow safe rescue procedures.
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