Page 1497 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 554

9 February 2017

Confined Space Fatalities

Please see enclosed bulletin regarding confined space fatalities, shared with us by Quant.

This incident is a reminder of the dangers of entering confines spaces and the need for emergency response
procedures and equipment.

Although we don’t carry out any confined space works, we do carry out works that need prompt action in an
emergency, e.g. rescue from harnesses following a fall. Anyone suspended in a harness is at risk of suspension
trauma; the blood drains from the top half of their body, depriving the brain of oxygen. The risk of irreparable
damage increases rapidly after only 10 minutes suspended. The risk remains even after rescue as the trapped stale
blood flows back into the body causing toxic shock syndrome.

Ensure you read and understand the rescue procedures (“P4.1.2.4a - Rescue Procedure – MEWP” and “P4.1.2.4b -
Rescue Procedure – Harness”). If you have any concerns or recommendations, contact your line manager.

Emergency Rescue Procedures will be an agenda item at our Company Health & Safety Awareness Day, scheduled
nd
for 22 February 2017.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has been learned
throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual presentations, a nd some by
reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo
Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters, videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for
us to share health and safety information, please let us know. Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep
you well informed!