Oxygen deficiency hazard in confined spaces in the steel industry: Assessment through predictive models

E Stefana, F Marciano, P Cocca, D Rossi… - … of occupational safety …, 2021 - Taylor & Francis
International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics, 2021Taylor & Francis
Objective. In the steel industry, performing activities in confined spaces where potential
oxygen displacement can occur may expose workers to fatal consequences. To the best of
our knowledge, no quantitative exposure assessment of oxygen deficiency in steel industry
confined spaces is available in the literature. To overcome this gap, we performed oxygen
deficiency hazard (ODH) assessments in real confined spaces using two existing models to
identify the most critical parameters responsible for ODH, and suggest controls for mitigating …
Objective
In the steel industry, performing activities in confined spaces where potential oxygen displacement can occur may expose workers to fatal consequences. To the best of our knowledge, no quantitative exposure assessment of oxygen deficiency in steel industry confined spaces is available in the literature. To overcome this gap, we performed oxygen deficiency hazard (ODH) assessments in real confined spaces using two existing models to identify the most critical parameters responsible for ODH, and suggest controls for mitigating the asphyxiation risk.
Methods
We applied a well-mixed model and a near field–far field approach to estimate the indoor oxygen level with time during and following release of simple asphyxiants. Model inputs were mainly gathered thanks to audits and instrumental tests in three firms.
Results
The most severe ODH exposures are posed in spaces with restricted volume and where accidental releases of inert gases can occur. Such exposures can be controlled through early release detections and augmented reality systems.
Conclusions
ODH assessments in confined spaces of steel firms allow the identification of the most critical parameters from an oxygen depletion perspective, focusing on which data need careful measurement, and help to establish controls compatible with the operations conducted in these areas.
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