Death from hazardous atmosphere at skim crepe rubber factory, Phangla Subdistrict, Sadoa District, Songkhla Province on August 13-16, 2019

Abstract

This research was aimed to study the descriptive epidemiology and to find methods for control and prevention of injuries and deaths from dangerous atmospheres. The study consisted of collecting death and injuries data, analyzing of gas content, interviewing of witnesses and surveying of environment.

The results showed that five persons were affected at skim crepe rubber factory. Three persons died while being hospitalized, one person died after being hospitalized, and one person was slightly injured. This incidence caused by maintenance of wastewater treatment ponds. The Southern Environment Company was hired to design and control the construction of wastewater treatment systems of skim crepe rubber factory. There are three wastewater treatment ponds, each with a size of 1.5 m x 1.5 m x 1.9 m (wide x length x depth). There were three persons, a supervisor and two workers, went down to repair the cement in the pond No. 3. After that, all of them were found unconscious leaning against the wall in the pond No. 3 by another two workers. Then, one worker went down to help them and also unconscious in the pond. Therefore, a total of four people were unconscious in the pond. After that, another worker immediately informed the factory. Gas content was analyzed on August 13, 2019 from 10.30 - 11.00 hrs with the Testo 350 at a depth of 30 cm from the top of wastewater treatment pond. The results revealed that the gas contained 21% oxygen (within the normal range) and 18 ppm hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Furthermore, sulfur oxide (SO2) content was higher than the standard OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and Nox were not detected. Moreover, Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) was used for coagulation of latex.

In conclusion, the cause of death may be due to methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen gas from wastewater treatment pond. Unconsciousness or death could result within minutes following exposure of 1000 - 2000 ppm hydrogen sulfide or 5,000 ppm carbon dioxide.