Teledyne 6712FR C.2 Lethal Atmospheres in Sewers, C.1.9, Emergencies, C.1.10, Field Equipment

6712FR Refrigerated Sampler

Appendix C General Safety Procedures

C.1.9	Emergencies	Every member of the crew should be instructed on procedures to
		be followed in cases of an emergency. It is the duty of each crew
		chief to have a list of emergency phone numbers, including the
		nearest hospital and ambulance service, police precinct, fire
		station, and rescue or general emergency number.
C.1.10	Field Equipment	The following equipment will be available for use:

Blowers	Gloves	Traffic cones
Breathing apparatus	Hard Hats	Coveralls
Harnesses	First aid kits	Manhole irons
Emergency flashers	Pick axes	Flashlights
Rain slickers	Mirrors	Ropes
Gas detectors	Safety vests	Gas masks
Waders”

C.2 Lethal Atmospheres in Sewers

The following is an article written by Dr. Richard D. Pomeroy, and published in the October 1980 issue of Deeds & Data of the WPCF. Dr. Pomeroy is particularly well known for his studies, over a period of nearly 50 years, in the field of the control of hydrogen sulfide and other odors in sewers and treatment plants. He has personally worked in a great many functioning sewers. In the earlier years he did so, he admits, with little knowledge of the grave hazards to which he exposed himself.

It is gratifying that the subject of hazards to people working in sewers is receiving much more attention than in past years, and good safety procedures are prescribed in various publications on this subject. It is essential that people know and use correct pro- cedures.

It is less important to know just what the hazardous components of sewer atmospheres are, as safety precautions should in general be broadly applicable, but there should be a reasonable understanding of this subject. It is disturbing to see statements in print that do not reflect true conditions.

One of the most common errors is the assumption that people have died from a lack of oxygen. The human body is able to function very well with substantially reduced oxygen concentra- tions. No one worries about going to Santa Fe, New Mexico, (elev. 2,100 meters), where the partial pressure of oxygen is equal to 16.2% (a normal atmosphere is about 21%) oxygen. When first going there, a person may experience a little ‘shortness of breath’ following exercise. People in good health are not afraid to drive over the high passes in the Rocky Mountains. At Loveland Pass, oxygen pressure is 13.2% of a normal atmosphere. At the top of Mt. Whitney, oxygen is equal to 12.2%t. Many hikers go there, and to higher peaks as well. After adequate acclimation, they may climb to the top of Mt. Everest, where oxygen is equal to only 6.7%.

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