Two Dead Following Sewer Accident At Central Festival Pattaya Beach

[webfact]

Two Dead following Sewer accident at Central Festival Pattaya Beach

PATTAYA: -- A Security Guard and Technician both lost their lives in a sewer accident in the car park of Central Festival Pattaya Beach late on Wednesday Night.

Khun Saeksan aged 25, a Technician working at the Center noticed a foul odor coming from the 1st Floor Car Park and noticed a Sewer which appeared to be blocked causing stagnant waste water to accumulate at the location.

The Chief Security Guard was asked if one of the guards could assist with entering the 4 meter deep Sewer to investigate and Khun Suradaert aged 37 was told to help. Both men entered the Sewer through a hole in the ground which measured 90cm in width.

Both men were seen to collapse and lose consciousness by a Third man and fellow technician, Khun Sompong aged 28, who then entered the hole and he also fell unconscious.

Full story: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/88281/dead-sewer-accident-central-festival-pattaya-beach/


-- Pattaya One 2013-05-24

[yoslim]

RIP

better stay away from central, the place might blow up soon

[JINGJOH]

A bit harsh,

They were not informed/aware regarding the hazards associated with entering confined spaces. All confined space entries should be atmospherically tested before entering & then ongoing monitoring during the task.

H2S poisoning happens all over the world & it's unfortunate that these gents employers exposed them to this environment.

[cardholder]

A bit harsh,

They were not informed/aware regarding the hazards associated with entering confined spaces. All confined space entries should be atmospherically tested before entering & then ongoing monitoring during the task.

H2S poisoning happens all over the world & it's unfortunate that these gents employers exposed them to this environment.

Doesn't make them smart though, does it.

I am not one for over-doing Health & Safety but there were some basic shortcomings here.

RIP

[Phil Conners]

First comment was off topic and has been deleted.

[HarrySeaman]

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/88281/dead-sewer-accident-central-festival-pattaya-beach/

It is thought the exposure to Sewer Gas which contains Methane and
Hydrogen Sulfide, would have caused the men to lose consciousness in
addition to the lack of Oxygen caused by the presence of Methane.

Police are now questioning the Security Manager and others at Central
Festival Pattaya Beach to determine if a criminal investigation is
required into the incident.

Only one problem with this reporting. Methane is lighter than air so it doesn't accumulate in ventilated areas. If the workers could be seen then it was the Hydrogen Sulfide that was the problem.

It is when methane, also known as sewer gas, accumulates because a sewer isn't vented that you have problems. Sewer workers have brass tools, not steel ones, to open manhole covers since brass doesn't produce sparks to set off trapped methane.

The toxisity of hydrogen sulfide, also called rotten egg gas, is very high but interestingly if you are exposed to a high concentration you stop smelling it. If you can smell it you are probably safe. If your sense of smell fades away the get away.

Edited May 24, 2013 by HarrySeaman

[Naroge]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

[chrisinth]

Perhaps it is my memory, but I can't recall being taught at school in my home country, precautions on entering gas filled compartments/areas.

Please explain how the Thai education system is to blame for this.

Remember, common sense is not included in any curriculum in this world.....................

Edited May 24, 2013 by Rimmer
Quoted reply of removed

[Naroge]

Doesn't make them smart though, does it.

A bit harsh,

They were not informed/aware regarding the hazards associated with entering confined spaces. All confined space entries should be atmospherically tested before entering & then ongoing monitoring during the task.

H2S poisoning happens all over the world & it's unfortunate that these gents employers exposed them to this environment.

I am not one for over-doing Health & Safety but there were some basic shortcomings here.

RIP

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

Perhaps it is my memory, but I can't recall being taught at school in my home country, precautions on entering gas filled compartments/areas.

Please explain how the Thai education system is to blame for this.

Remember, common sense is not included in any curriculum in this world.....................

I beg to differ.

Thai education system is very authoritarian and don’t teach students

to evaluate different situations on their own. Not sure it would have helped these

specific individuals, but it could have helped.

And yes, “common sense” is actually influenced of what you

learn, and how you learn, at school (in addition to what you learn and experience

outside school).

Main point though, posters here that label the victims “idiots”

are really out of bounds.

[drdoom6996]

All sewers are hazards. Everywhere in the world. It is a confined space. Never enter a confined space before checking that there is necessary breathing air (minumum 17% oxygen in air). There should always be breathing apparatus available for persons working in a confined space whether it has enough oxygen or not. Toxic gases are also in sewers. Hydrogen Sulfide is one of the most toxic gases on earth. It is a by product of what runs through the sewers.

This is Safety 101. Simple information and readily available on the Internet. Or PM me. I am a Safety Professional and have been for 26 years.

[drdoom6996]

Doesn't make them smart though, does it.

A bit harsh,

They were not informed/aware regarding the hazards associated with entering confined spaces. All confined space entries should be atmospherically tested before entering & then ongoing monitoring during the task.

H2S poisoning happens all over the world & it's unfortunate that these gents employers exposed them to this environment.

I am not one for over-doing Health & Safety but there were some basic shortcomings here.

RIP

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

Perhaps it is my memory, but I can't recall being taught at school in my home country, precautions on entering gas filled compartments/areas.

Please explain how the Thai education system is to blame for this.

Remember, common sense is not included in any curriculum in this world.....................

I beg to differ.

Thai education system is very authoritarian and don’t teach students

to evaluate different situations on their own. Not sure it would have helped these

specific individuals, but it could have helped.

And yes, “common sense” is actually influenced of what you

learn, and how you learn, at school (in addition to what you learn and experience

outside school).

Main point though, posters here that label the victims “idiots”

are really out of bounds.

Common sense is not common. People live and grow in different parts of the world. What you may think is common sense may not even be known by persons on the other side of the world.

[drdoom6996]

A little more info here. H2S is Hydrogen Sulfide. It is Highly Toxic. It is also is more heavy than air so it sits at the bottom of sewers waiting for someone that is not aware. The only protection of known H2S in an area is an air pack, or breathing apparatus. Even as a gas H2S mixes readily with undisturbed water. Move the water around and you get gassed. So an air test is great, but with an air pack in the sewer, especially corners and disturbing the standing water to insure your safety. Sewers are not to be messed with in any way but the safe way. Or somebody dies.

[doggie888888]

 

 

 Doesn't make them smart though, does it.

 

 A bit harsh,

They were not informed/aware regarding the hazards associated with entering confined spaces. All confined space entries should be atmospherically tested before entering & then ongoing monitoring during the task.

H2S poisoning happens all over the world & it's unfortunate that these gents employers exposed them to this environment.

 

I am not one for over-doing Health & Safety but there were some basic shortcomings here.

 

RIP

 

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

 

Don't blame the victims.

Perhaps it is my memory, but I can't recall being taught at school in my home country, precautions on entering gas filled compartments/areas.

 

Please explain how the Thai education system is to blame for this.

 

Remember, common sense is not included in any curriculum in this world.....................

 

I beg to differ.

 

Thai education system is very authoritarian and don’t teach students

to evaluate different situations on their own. Not sure it would have helped these

specific individuals, but it could have helped.

 

And yes, “common sense” is actually influenced of what you

learn, and how you learn, at school (in addition to what you learn and experience

outside school).

Main point though, posters here that label the victims “idiots”

are really out of bounds.

 

Common sense is not common.  People live and grow in different parts of the world.  What you may think is common sense may not even be known by persons on the other side of the world.  

too true. Witness the Americans wringing their hands over guns when the majority of the rest of the would think it's common sense that fewer guns mean less gun violence.

Back on topic, I think nobody in government would dare raise the possibility the employer might be responsible? Even if the employees were"brain dead" does not mean the employer and its command chain can end up with a decision that allows lowly workers into the pit without minimum safety being addressed.

[Naroge]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

Perhaps it is my memory, but I can't recall being taught at school in my home country, precautions on entering gas filled compartments/areas.

Please explain how the Thai education system is to blame for this.

Remember, common sense is not included in any curriculum in this world.....................

I beg to differ.

Thai education system is very authoritarian and don’t teach students

to evaluate different situations on their own. Not sure it would have helped these

specific individuals, but it could have helped.

And yes, “common sense” is actually influenced of what you

learn, and how you learn, at school (in addition to what you learn and experience

outside school).

Main point though, posters here that label the victims “idiots”

are really out of bounds.

Common sense is not common. People live and grow in different parts of the world. What you may think is common sense may not even be known by persons on the other side of the world.

Exactly.

[kicking]

What's wrong with you? Some guys are dead because they tried fixing a problem. You come on here and tell everyone those two were stupid?

Ok smart guy, you want to have a go? Then try me. Any online or offline measure of intelligence is fine. We can have it monitored by any mod on Thai Visa...

In the meantime try showing a little compassion.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Rimmer
Quoted reply of removed

[1Ping1]

Poor Dudes. RIP to them both.

As workers, they were following orders from their boss. That he then let/sent a third in that passed out is even more insane. It would have been H2S and most likely some CO2 as it as with H2S is heavier than air. Methane also though while ligher than air when confined to a sewer line it has no where to go until it is opened up. Then the length of the line is going to determine what percentage you have in line. Anything over 10ppm is above epa standards. In sewer lines like this, most likely in the thousands of PPM.

Tragic but again, workers should not be to blame. If they were uneducated, someone above them should have been and not allowed them to enter the fricking line.

Again, RIP to both the young guys.

[Thai at Heart]

A technician working at central should know better than this.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Rimmer
Quoted reply of removed

[tropo]

I've been exposed to some very unpleasant levels of sewer gas in the entrance level motorcycle park on a number of occasions. Beware!

Here's some useful information about hydrogen sulfide gas:

How can hydrogen sulfide gas affect my health?

Hydrogen sulfide can affect several different systems in the body. Exposure to lower concentrations can cause eye irritation, a sore throat and cough, shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs. These symptoms usually go away in a few weeks after exposure ends. Long-term, low-level exposure may result in fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory and dizziness. Breathing very high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death within just a few breaths. There could be a loss of consciousness after one or more breaths. This high level of exposure would not be expected in a home, but could occur in a workplace.

http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/hydrogensulfide.htm

Edited May 24, 2013 by Rimmer
Quoted reply of removed

[Suradit69]

I wonder if a similar deadly accident occurred in your home country, and they do happen everywhere in the world despite the alleged superior educational systems purportedly in some countries, would you go on some local message board or write to the Letters to the Editor of a local newspaper and announce: "Oh my word. These people really are brain dead?"

Almost certainly no newspaper would even print your letter and the outcry from the more rational members of the community would be deafening.

Commenting in such a crude fashion about the death of some men says a great deal more about your lack of social education and common decency than anything about them. What could possibly be gained by saying such a thing ... other than getting a few yucks for your childish humor (and actually most children would know better)? Total absence of self-control and not a vestige of self-respect, let alone respect for others. If you think you've established you innate superiority to those who died, you're sadly mistaken.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Rimmer
Quoted reply of removed

[realenglish1]

I think the the sewers have a Yeast Infection

[drdoom6996]

Poor Dudes. RIP to them both.

As workers, they were following orders from their boss. That he then let/sent a third in that passed out is even more insane. It would have been H2S and most likely some CO2 as it as with H2S is heavier than air. Methane also though while ligher than air when confined to a sewer line it has no where to go until it is opened up. Then the length of the line is going to determine what percentage you have in line. Anything over 10ppm is above epa standards. In sewer lines like this, most likely in the thousands of PPM.

Tragic but again, workers should not be to blame. If they were uneducated, someone above them should have been and not allowed them to enter the fricking line.

Again, RIP to both the young guys.

10ppm is the short term exposure limit. That means at 10ppm or less you can work 8 hours in that air. 100ppm is considered "Am Immediate Danger to Life and Health. The requires air from a source other than the air in the sewer.

[bri1guy]

What caused the men to lose consciousness , if they are not qualified which there not , then stay away from the sewer..

[Rimmer]

Racist post and quoted replies removed

[bangon04]

All sewers are hazards. Everywhere in the world. It is a confined space. Never enter a confined space before checking that there is necessary breathing air (minumum 17% oxygen in air). There should always be breathing apparatus available for persons working in a confined space whether it has enough oxygen or not. Toxic gases are also in sewers. Hydrogen Sulfide is one of the most toxic gases on earth. It is a by product of what runs through the sewers.

This is Safety 101. Simple information and readily available on the Internet. Or PM me. I am a Safety Professional and have been for 26 years.

Maybe this would be a market opportunity - Adventure Holidays in Thailand for western Health and Safety Officers. Points for every safety violation spotted.... imagine the game of I-Spy on the tour coach... flip-flops on bamboo scaffold, electric cable tied to stainless steell bridges by pieces of wire in the rain...etc etc

[Mudcrab]

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/88281/dead-sewer-accident-central-festival-pattaya-beach/

It is thought the exposure to Sewer Gas which contains Methane and

Hydrogen Sulfide, would have caused the men to lose consciousness in

addition to the lack of Oxygen caused by the presence of Methane.

Police are now questioning the Security Manager and others at Central

Festival Pattaya Beach to determine if a criminal investigation is

required into the incident.

Only one problem with this reporting. Methane is lighter than air so it doesn't accumulate in ventilated areas. If the workers could be seen then it was the Hydrogen Sulfide that was the problem.

It is when methane, also known as sewer gas, accumulates because a sewer isn't vented that you have problems. Sewer workers have brass tools, not steel ones, to open manhole covers since brass doesn't produce sparks to set off trapped methane.

The toxisity of hydrogen sulfide, also called rotten egg gas, is very high but interestingly if you are exposed to a high concentration you stop smelling it. If you can smell it you are probably safe. If your sense of smell fades away the get away.

Agree with your comments re hydrogen sulphide gas and methane, having worked in a gas plant previously but we need to recognise that these men were security guards and most likely have never heard of H₂S or any other toxic gas, let alone know about toxicity levels and the precautions that should be taken. It's a fair bet they just did as their boss told them to. To do otherwise might have meant the sack. Ironically this would have saved their lives.

A few years ago a couple of Aussie sailors died in similar circumstances even with the level of training they received. Unfortunately the level of specialised knowledge that we receive through training in an industrial environment doesn't translate into the wider world...and I am not limiting that comment to Thailand by any means.

Edited May 24, 2013 by Mudcrab

[Suradit69]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

In which country has the educational system eradicated illogical thinking and poor judgment?

Edited May 24, 2013 by Suradit69

[VocalNeal]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

Nothing to do with the Thai education system.

One doesn't learn about confined spaces until one works in an industry where they have them. A shopping mall does not spring to mind as being an industry with "confined spaces".

It may simply have been lack of oxygen?

There is an element of bad luck here. Hats off to Khun Sompong who tried to do something to help his fellow workers but also succumbed.

Edited May 24, 2013 by VocalNeal

[Joe Mamma]

Young guys just trying to earn a living. I hope their families get some compensation and an investigation punishes those responsible.

[oneday]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

No, it is the responsibility of the Government office on safety and the employer's safety office, if they even exist in Thailand. In America OSHA mandated years ago that all entry ways into confined spaces must be marked with a DO NOT ENTER sign unless you are trained and have proper protective gear. I don't love OSHA, but they do and have prevented 100's of senseless deaths such as this.

I figure it will take another 50-100 years or more for Thailand to become really serious about safety.

[VocalNeal]

The main shortcoming is in the Thai education system.

Don't blame the victims.

No, it is the responsibility of the Government office on safety and the employer's safety office, if they even exist in Thailand. In America OSHA mandated years ago that all entry ways into confined spaces must be marked with a DO NOT ENTER sign unless you are trained and have proper protective gear. I don't love OSHA, but they do and have prevented 100's of senseless deaths such as this.

I figure it will take another 50-100 years or more for Thailand to become really serious about safety.

Even in the much vaunted USA I doubt the sewers under a shopping mall have a confined space sticker on the manhole. But I'm happy to learn something every day.

If you like the USA so much why aren't you still there?

I'm happy here.