communications and to watch to see that you are notovercome.Symptoms of bad air include the following:Labored breathingExcessive fatigue from slight exertionHeadachesDizzinessIf you feel any of these symptoms, warn others andget to fresh air immediately.A more dangerous situation occurs if there is verylittle or no oxygen in a compartment. In this case, aperson can lose consciousness almost immediately andwithout warning. If this happens and you’re tending theperson, don’t enter the space without wearing anoxygen breathing apparatus (OBA). If you do, you’llbecome a casualty yourself. Always summon (call for)help before making a rescue attempt.Another hazard of working in closed compartmentsor connected spaces is the use of internal combustionengines in these spaces. For example, if a P-100 pumpfor fire fighting or dewatering is used in a closedcompartment, the engine used to drive the pump takes inthe air through the carburetor and exhausts poisonouscarbon monoxide. If you need to use an internalcombustion engine in a closed space, make sure theexhaust is carried (vented) to the open atmosphere.REVIEW 5 QUESTIONSQ1. Where do most accidents involving steam occur?Q2. Describe the reason why you should never entera closed space until its certified by the gas freeengineer.Q3. List the symptoms caused by bad air.a.b.c.d.FLAMMABLESRules for preventing fuel fires were presented inchapter 13 of this manual. Our discussion here willinclude fire hazards and toxic hazards of flammablematerials and applicable safety precautions.The vapors of petroleum products cause anestheticeffects when inhaled. Breathing air where petroleumvapors have a concentration of only 0.1 percent byvolume can result in the inability to walk straight afteronly 4 minutes. Longer exposure or greaterconcentration may cause unconsciousness or death.When lead is added to the fuel, toxicity is increased. Thelead may be inhaled or it may be absorbed through theskin. Proper ventilation, therefore, must be provided atall times when personnel are working in fuel tanks. Anair-line respirator is recommended when personnelenter such spaces.Symptoms of exposure to toxic vapors areheadache, nausea, and dizziness. If you are working in aspace that formerly held oil, gasoline, or other fuels andyou experience these symptoms, get to fresh air at once.Recovery is usually prompt in fresh air; but if you areovercome by the vapors, you may require immediatemedical attention. First-aid measures are to prevent thevictim from becoming chilled and to administerartificial ventilation if breathing has stopped.All fuel spills must be wiped up immediately toprevent the spread of vapors to a possible ignitionsource. Never use gasoline for cleaning purposes, andavoid getting gasoline on the skin. Repeated contactcauses drying, chapping, and cracking and may causeinfection.19-10Student Notes:
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