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Abstract
Industrial hygiene sampling for oxygen content, combustible gases, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic chemicals was conducted in manholes of two sewerage collection systems. Sampling results showed periods of sudden atmospheric changes inside the wastewater manhole with decreases in oxygen content and increases in carbon monoxide levels being the most frequently observed events. In addition to the sampling performed, questionnaires were sent to 567 municipalities and 99 (80%) sewerage authorities in New Jersey regarding safety equipment, procedures, and training. Two hundred ninety (42%) of the questionnaires were returned, and generally low levels of employee training and/or written confined space entry procedures were reported by those responding. At the time that this study was undertaken, a confined space standard for public employees did not exist in New Jersey. A Public Employees Safety and Health (PEOSHA) confined space standard was subsequently adopted and became effective on September 19, 1988.