When I was a shift engineer, I entered a confined space,
a pressure vessel, after obtaining necessary work permit. After I
entered, I climbed up the internal fixed ladder to inspect a demister
located at the top. As I was climbing up, the CO alarm in my personal
gas monitor went off and I evacuated the vessel. Investigation
determined that during the purging process after plant shutdown, one
part of an isolated pipeline connected with the vessel had not been been
purged. When a valve connected to this pipeline was opened by an operator
when I was inside, the pocket of trapped gas entered the vessel.
Lesson:
Confined space entry can pop up surprises, even after receiving work
permit. Ensure your personal gas monitor is working properly before you
enter a confined space. It saved my life!
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