A worker in a manhole working on electrical copper cables is left unsupervised for 15 minutes and then found floating in wastewater. White foam is seen at the mouth. Should the worker be given bottled water to drink?

A worker in a manhole working on electrical copper cables is left unsupervised for 15 minutes and then found floating in wastewater. White foam is seen at the mouth. Should the worker be given bottled water to drink?

• A. no, because the worker was exposed to CO
• B. yes, because the worker was exposed to CO
• C. no, because the worker was exposed to H2S
• D. yes, because the worker was exposed to H2S

Answer: (C)

When a worker in a confined space is exposed to toxic gases, the first priority is to remove them from the hazard and support breathing with oxygen, then seek medical help. Drinking bottled water does not treat inhalation injuries or gas poisoning and can even risk aspiration if the person is not fully conscious or is having trouble breathing. In wastewater environments, hydrogen sulfide is a common hazard and can cause rapid respiratory distress or loss of consciousness; the correct approach is to evacuate the worker, provide 100% oxygen if available, monitor and support breathing, and arrange urgent medical evaluation. That’s why the appropriate choice is that water should not be given, as the issue here is exposure to hydrogen sulfide rather than dehydration.

When a worker in a confined space is exposed to toxic gases, the first priority is to remove them from the hazard and support breathing with oxygen, then seek medical help. Drinking bottled water does not treat inhalation injuries or gas poisoning and can even risk aspiration if the person is not fully conscious or is having trouble breathing. In wastewater environments, hydrogen sulfide is a common hazard and can cause rapid respiratory distress or loss of consciousness; the correct approach is to evacuate the worker, provide 100% oxygen if available, monitor and support breathing, and arrange urgent medical evaluation. That’s why the appropriate choice is that water should not be given, as the issue here is exposure to hydrogen sulfide rather than dehydration.