Lessons from confined space fatalities

 In 2010, two welders died in a confined space accident.

The two welders were welding the 36'' final tie from piping system to exchanger. After completion of root welding, one welder made an unauthorized confined space entry into the exchanger to check welding root pass. He was thought that the argon purge was off but one valve was not completely closed and one purge line remained on. This resulted in the argon atmosphere being sustained within the exchanger. In addition, the purge plug ( which is put in place to reduce argon consumption during welding) was in place, which increased the concentration of argon in the vessel. So the first welder collapsed and the second entered for rescue without PPE. Both welders were overcome and died.

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