confined space?

[hardworking]

My son works in a quick oil change facility. He works down in the pit. He's been getting ill from the heat, and as we were talking about this, I realized that he has no ventilation for air change down in the pit. That sounds like a possibility for carbon dioxide accumulation.

So my questions are, is this pit classified as a confined space?

Typically, are there fans in place to insure air removal of the lowest elevations in order to guard against CO2 accumulation?

Thanks,
A concerned Dad

 

[pcb]

Normally the basement in my lube center is a good bit cooler than the upstairs. It's actually the coolest place in that whole building that's not air conditioned. I've never had a problem with anyone getting sick or to hot down there. We do have small fans on stands just to keep the air moving down there, but nothing special.

I guess it could depend on how big the basement is and how big of an open space it has in the floor.

 

[robert roman]

I have owned a quick lube and have worked in them.

In general, the oil change pit is not one of the envious work environments in the car-care industry but I would not consider it a confined work space.

During the summer, the hot undersides of vehicles, road grime, drippings and vapors from lubricants can get to be a bit much.

Since vehicles are normally turned off except for a few seconds when checking the fill level, I would not expect vehicle tailpipe emissions to be a source of discomfort.

 

[Kevin James]

I’d call the state OSHA and have them come out do a surprise inspection. If your son’s employer is any kind of a decent person he’ll take care of his employees, most do give a rip less about them. They should have some type of ventilation in the bottom of the pit. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous situation. He may not be employed there if his boss finds out that he called OSHA.

 

[Indiana Wash]

I’d call the state OSHA and have them come out do a surprise inspection. If your son’s employer is any kind of a decent person he’ll take care of his employees, most do give a rip less about them. They should have some type of ventilation in the bottom of the pit. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous situation. He may not be employed there if his boss finds out that he called OSHA.

He may not be employed there if the boss doesn't find out that he called OSHA. Actually, maybe OSHA will fine the business out of existence and everyone will lose their jobs! Sounds like a win win...

Maybe he should speak nicely to his employer and suggest a fan before getting the government involved???

 

[MEP001]

If he suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, a trip to the doctor would easily confirm it. He could take that to his employer and ask that ventilation be added. If he refuses, then a call to OSHA would be in order.

An employer can't fire someone for reporting unsafe work conditions, but that doesn't mean he can't find some nit-picky reason for it.

Make sure he's working smart, drinking plenty of water instead of sodas and limiting sports-drinks or similar to one a day.

 

[Turbo]

If he suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, a trip to the doctor would easily confirm it. He could take that to his employer and ask that ventilation be added. If he refuses, then a call to OSHA would be in order.

An employer can't fire someone for reporting unsafe work conditions, but that doesn't mean he can't find some nit-picky reason for it.

Make sure he's working smart, drinking plenty of water instead of sodas and limiting sports-drinks or similar to one a day.

Why not get one of those CO detectors that cost $20 from Menards and plug in in basement (you probably have one at home)? No one will even notice it. I think they have a ppm readout. I think he'll know in about 10 minutes if there is too much CO. Cheaper than a doctor visit. Or do both. Or go on line and see if there is a cheaper test.

I would not call OSHA without confirmation and then addressing with owner. Lets say its just hot and there is no CO. Lets say owner supports his family and he's a decent guy and with one visit he's receives a fine for some other, not CO related, inspection justifying reason (i.e. yellow striping not bright enough). Not to mention that it will cost the tax payers probably thousands to have inspection, write report, summarize report, etc.

 

[mjwalsh]

Why not get one of those CO detectors that cost $20 from Menards and plug in in basement (you probably have one at home)? No one will even notice it. I think they have a ppm readout. I think he'll know in about 10 minutes if there is too much CO. Cheaper than a doctor visit. Or do both. Or go on line and see if there is a cheaper test.

I would not call OSHA without confirmation and then addressing with owner. Lets say its just hot and there is no CO. Lets say owner supports his family and he's a decent guy and with one visit he's receives a fine for some other, not CO related, inspection justifying reason (i.e. yellow striping not bright enough). Not to mention that it will cost the tax payers probably thousands to have inspection, write report, summarize report, etc.

Turbo,

Those were my thoughts too! Good suggestions.

MJ