firefighters

Two independent maintenance workers collapsed in a stormwater pipe. Photo: City of Cape Town.

Firefighters rescue maintenance workers who collapsed from hazardous vapours in stormwater pipe

A pair of maintenance workers collapsed after they were overcome by the hazardous fumes in a stormwater pipe near Mitchells Plain.

firefighters

Two independent maintenance workers collapsed in a stormwater pipe. Photo: City of Cape Town.

Two maintenance workers collapsed after they were overcome by hazardous vapours in a stormwater pipe near Mitchells Plain on Tuesday, 30 November. An operation led by City of Cape Town firefighters led to the rescue of the workers, who are employed by a private contractor.

FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO EMERGENCY

The firefighters responded to a confined space emergency under the Weltevreden Bridge across the R300 near Mitchells Plain at approximately 16:00 on Tuesday.

The technical confined space rescue team from Goodwood was called in to assist and the Goodwood fire station commander Warren Sam took control of the incident.

The scene was cleared and only authorised personnel were allowed to enter. A clear line of sight to the manhole opening was maintained throughout the operation.

“Gas reading showed oxygen levels were only acceptable when fresh air was being pumped in through the manhole.

Without it, the oxygen level dropped rapidly and this was a concern. This meant they had to do a gas reading every five minutes, increasing the pressure on what was already a tense situation,” said MayCo Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

MEN FOUND IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A quadpod with rope systems was rigged above the manhole opening, which was used to lower and pull up both the rescuer and patients. The city’s firefighters assisted with additional rope work to make the rescue possible.

A quadpod was used to rescue the workers. Photo: City of Cape Town.

Both the maintenance workers were found in a critical condition and transported to Vincent Palotti Hospital for medical treatment.

“I am proud of our firefighters who took control of the situation to ensure everyone involved were safe. Throughout the rescue, it was the contractor who ensured fresh air, which maintained the survival oxygen level. I commend all on the scene for their teamwork and dedication which ensure a successful rescue,” remarked Smith.

Earlier this year, in January 2021, two maintenance workers died at the V&A Waterfront. Their bodies were retrieved from the sewerage pit, which was filled with toxic gases, near a hotel in the area.

ALSO READ: