Cellar death highlights need for gas alarms

12 March 2010

WorkSafe Victoria has directed the Royal Mail Hotel at Birregurra near Colac to install a cellar alarm system to warn workers of carbon dioxide leaks before they enter.

The Improvement Notice requiring the hotel to install the alarm was issued after yesterday’s death of a 54-year-old man who was helping with the delivery of beer kegs to the cellar.

WorkSafe is investigating the fatality, which is thought to have been caused by a leak from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder in the cellar. Inspectors also prohibited entry to the hotel’s cellar yesterday, until it was deemed safe.

Cylinders storing carbon dioxide and nitrogen are used to carbonate beer and soft drinks, but they can be dangerous if they develop leaks – particularly when stored in enclosed spaces, like cellars and cool rooms. Leaks can also occur at other points in the system, for example pipe fittings.

An alarm system will alert people to the presence of a gas leak and warn them not to enter the area.

WorkSafe’s Acting Executive Director for Health and Safety Stan Krpan said:

“Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are both asphyxiants. If cylinders containing these gases are stored in a semi-confined or enclosed environment like a cellar, accidental leakage is always a potential risk – no matter how well they are maintained.

“Carbon dioxide gas and low oxygen monitoring and alarm systems are the best way to prevent walking into a potential death trap.

“For workplaces using both nitrogen and carbon dioxide systems, we recommend a dual carbon dioxide and oxygen monitoring and alarm system. For those only using carbon dioxide, a carbon dioxide monitoring and alarm system is needed. This is a mandatory expectation unless the employer can provide a risk assessment that indicates otherwise.

“Alarm systems and the equipment itself need to be closely maintained and tested regularly. Staff need to be trained so they know what to do if the alarm goes off.

“This isn’t just an issue for local pubs – small and large organisations across industry have a responsibility to make sure workers are safe,” he said.

In addition to installing an alarm system to warn of gas build-up, employers can reduce the risk of injury or death by:

• relocating gas cylinders to outside areas when designing or renovating the cellar
• regularly inspecting, testing and servicing gas cylinders
• ensuring connections are tight
• storing cylinders upright
• keep cellar stock to a minimum – only store what you need
• using a buddy system where one person keeps watch while the other enters the cellar. In an emergency, the buddy can raise the alarm but should not enter the room
• training staff in use and maintenance of gases and associated work.

WorkSafe Victoria guidance titled Preventing cellar beverage gas leaks is available at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au