Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

A recent federal workplace safety investigation identified multiple hazards at an Alabama jobsite where workers employed by a contracting company were exposed to dangerous sewer gases while installing and repairing sewer lines inside a manhole. The incident resulted in two fatalities and led to citations for numerous serious safety violations and proposed penalties exceeding $250,000.

Investigators reported the employer lacked essential confined-space entry procedures, atmospheric hazard assessments, worker training, and emergency response planning.

Sewer gas is a potentially deadly mixture of toxic and flammable gases that can quickly accumulate in confined spaces such as manholes, sewer lines, and lift stations. Major risks include:

• Hydrogen sulfide: Highly toxic, capable of causing rapid unconsciousness and death; early symptoms may include eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulty. Its warning odor can quickly disappear due to olfactory fatigue.
• Methane: Extremely flammable and an asphyxiation hazard due to oxygen displacement.
• Ammonia: Corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
• Carbon dioxide: Can build up and create dangerous low-oxygen environments.

 
“Because sewer gases can reach life-threatening levels without warning, continuous air monitoring and proper confined-space safety procedures are critical,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL Analytical helps organizations reduce risks and avoid costly violations by offering air testing services, portable gas monitoring instruments, industrial hygiene laboratory analysis, and personal protective equipment.”

EMSL also provides educational resources, including a widely used video on hydrogen sulfide exposure hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/oiVAOrvDKvQ

To learn more about EMSL’s industrial hygiene and air quality testing resources, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.