Asphyxiation death caused by oxygen-depleting cargo on a ship. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sundal, Marjana Kjetland; Lilleng, Peer Kaare; Barane, Hans; Morild, Inge; Vevelstad, Merete
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 279(2017)
• Page Start: e7
• Page End: e9
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Asphyxia -- Confined spaces -- Occupational accidents -- Occupational health -- Biomass; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: Organic cargo in enclosed spaces depletes oxygen within hours. 1 inhalation of oxygen-depleted air causes unconsciousness or death within seconds. Lethal levels of the toxic gas carbon monoxide may also be formed. Ocean transportation of organic cargo (woodchips, pellets, grain etc.) is increasing. Workers must be trained about risk and never enter oxygen-depleted spaces alone. Abstract: The extreme danger associated with entering enclosed spaces loaded with oxygen-depleting organic cargo in ships and tanks is obviously underestimated, both among crew and management. We present a case report to highlight this occupational hazard and to increase the knowledge about the imperative precautions, in order to prevent future accidents. An experienced customs officer was found lifeless at the bottom of the unattended cargo hold on a ship loaded with woodchips. The oxygen content in the cargo atmosphere was below 2%, which is incompatible with life. Forensic autopsy revealed injuries related to the fall, and there were no positive toxicological findings in blood, lung or urine. Management and workers must be taught about the extreme rapidity of developing unconsciousness and asphyxiant death when entering enclosed spaces loaded with oxygen-depleting cargo. Even a single inhalation can result in unconsciousness and death. Dozens of annual deaths and severe injuries can easily be prevented if simple precautions are followed.