Last week, the State Administration of Work Safety reported that since the beginning of this year, there have been 10 major accidents involving hazardous chemicals and dangerous substances across the country. These incidents resulted in 38 deaths and 55 injuries, many of which were linked to work in confined spaces. As summer approaches, the risk of confined space-related accidents has increased significantly. National and local safety authorities, along with industry experts, have issued warnings urging chemical companies to improve awareness and implement stronger preventive measures.
The recent tragedies have served as a painful reminder of the importance of safety protocols. According to Sun Guangyu, deputy director of the Supervision and Administration Division at the State Administration of Work Safety, various regions have introduced new measures to enhance the safety of confined space operations and prevent accidents caused by improper rescue efforts. Despite these improvements, similar incidents continue to occur this year, highlighting the need for greater vigilance.
One such incident took place on January 9th when Anhui Kangzhou Chemical Co., Ltd. experienced a poisoning accident that led to four fatalities and two injuries. The cause was traced back to an unauthorized operation conducted by a third-party contractor who had leased part of the company’s facilities. Without proper approvals, they began producing pesticides, leading to a dangerous buildup of toxic gases. A technician entered a solvent tank and was overcome by hydrogen sulfide and cyanide fumes. When other workers attempted a blind rescue without protective gear, they too were poisoned, resulting in additional casualties.
Another incident occurred on April 24, when a worker from North Chemical Company fell into an anaerobic tank while installing a sludge pump. Two more employees joined the rescue without proper equipment, also falling victim to the toxic gas. The direct cause was the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide in the tank, which was not properly ventilated or tested before entry. This highlights how poor planning and lack of safety procedures can lead to tragic outcomes.
Experts warn that summer is a peak season for confined space accidents. High temperatures and low atmospheric pressure hinder the dispersion of harmful gases, making conditions even more dangerous. Additionally, fatigue and reduced compliance with safety protocols contribute to the risks. Gao Hong, director of the Industrial Security Production Research Institute, noted that three key challenges make confined space work particularly risky: the increasing scale of operations, the involvement of high-risk tasks like welding, and the prevalence of subcontracting, which often leads to less qualified personnel and poor oversight.
To address these issues, the State Administration of Work Safety has implemented new regulations, including the "Interim Provisions on the Safety Management and Supervision of Limited Space Operations." These rules emphasize proper training, environmental assessments, and strict adherence to operating procedures. In addition, a circular was issued earlier this year to reinforce the importance of confirming safe conditions before any confined space work begins.
In response, several provinces have taken action. For example, Fujian held training sessions for safety supervisors and managers, while Hangzhou launched a two-month special campaign targeting industrial and trade enterprises. Shanghai's Chongming County also organized meetings to focus on improving confined space safety management based on past incidents.
Lin Changyan, HSE manager at Fujian Southeast Electrochemical Company, emphasized that confined space operations are a critical component of safety management. The company recently conducted internal training to ensure all staff understand and follow national and provincial guidelines, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of future accidents.
These efforts highlight the ongoing commitment to improving safety in confined spaces, but it is clear that continuous education, strict enforcement, and a culture of caution are essential to preventing further tragedies.
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