Take Time to Test the Air

Those of us who have worked in vaults and manholes know that sometimes the odors in those environments are not very savory. Leaves, mud, stagnant water, and other indescribable matter can make for an unappetizing experience.

There are other things we should be careful about prior to entering these spaces: noxious gases. What form of gases can exist in a confined space?

Carbon monoxide is the first to come to mind. With vehicular traffic passing over manholes all day long, day in and day out, chances are  those holes are going to collect carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air so a hole in the street is the perfect place for this gas to hide out.

How about methane gas created by an accumulation of rotting vegetation in a dark and smelly hole in the middle of the street? Not a good thing to breath, plus it’s volatile.

Prior to entering an underground manhole or vault, always use a gas monitor to test for oxygen content and any dangerous gases or combustibles. Learn to use these monitors—they can keep you out of trouble. Consider the alternatives: if your work partner decides to go into an untested environment and passes out, what are you really going to do? If you go in after him/her there’s a good chance you aren’t going to make it either. By the time you get out the air blower, call for help, and finish running around in a panic, it’s probably too late.

Take the time to test the air.

Art Torres

October 10, 2006