* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFORMATION ALERT * * * * Produced by: New Brunswick Occupational Health * * and Safety Commission * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFO ALERT: 23 (NB) DATE: June 1988 *** HAZARD SUMMARY: WORKER SUFFOCATED BY SMOKE *** A worker suffocated to death as a result of heavy smoke caused by a flash fire. He was in the attic of a building removing lint from an area used to collect waste lint from a burlap bag manufacturing machine. The victim stepped on an electrical conduit causing a fitting to separate and the wires to short cicuit. A spark ignited the waste lint resulting in a flash fire. The worker was unable to get out of the attic before being overcome with the smoke. *** APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS *** 1. All workers are to be trained to recognize and avoid hazards associate with their work. (Subsection 9(2)(b) OHS Act) 2. All employers should recognize the hazards involved and take adequate preventative measures in waste product collection systems. (Subsection 9(2)(a) OHS Act) 3. When flammable and explosive materials are collected, particular attention should be given to ensure all sources of ignition are eliminated. 4. Every place of employment should have a hazard recognition program and JHSCs could contribute to the development of such a program and participate in its enforcement. 5. Consider requesting the local fire department to inspect the entire premises. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *