oxygen is known as being oxygen deficient and
can be life-threatening. Caused by oxidation,
rusting, fire, growth of bacteria, or displacement
of the oxygen by another gas, oxygen deficiency
will initially cause drowsiness. It can also lead to
euphoria, a "happy" state which usually prevents
the "victim" from realising the dangers before it is
too late.
Discarded syringes and bacterial infections can
be a major problem in sewers and waterways.
Leptospirosis, for instance, is a reportable disease
that is usually contracted following exposure to rat
urine and disease-carrying rodents. Infection results
from the microbe entering the body through open
cuts and scratches or through the lining of the
eye, mouth or throat and can be prevented by
wearing appropriate protective clothing.
Engulfment is another major concern. Anyone
sinking into or becoming covered by coal,
sawdust, flour, grain or sugar can suffocate in a
matter of minutes.
Safety through knowledge
The most frequent causes of serious accidents are
that people do not always recognise a confined
space hazard when they see one. Firefighters will
often be involved in a rescue operation where
people have relied on their senses and have not
realised that it is impossible to see, hear, touch,
taste or smell most dangerous atmospheres.
14 INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER
MUNICIPAL
Hazard Effect Density Smell Sight
Carbon dioxide Asphyxiating Heavier than air None Invisible
Methane Flammable Lighter than air None Invisible
Hydrogen Sulphide Flammable/toxic Heavier Rotten eggs Invisible
Chlorine Toxic Heavier Yes If 10ppm
Carbon Monoxide Toxic Slightly lighter None Invisible
Ammonia Flammable/toxic Lighter Yes Invisible
Propane Flammable/asphyxiating Heavier Yes Invisible
Butane Flammable/asphyxiating Heavier Yes Invisible
Acetylene Flammable/asphyxiating Lighter Yes Invisible
Hazards and their recognition properties
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