video from the confined space rescue in Wheeling on 11-30-12
Posts Tagged worker dies in chemical tank in Wheeling
Final set of images from the confined space recovery in Wheeling on 11/29/12.
The firefighter is out of the tank after having attached a harness to the victim. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighter that was inside the tank heads toward the decontamination unit as others in protective gear standby to help retrieve the victim. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighter begins the decontamination process. Larry Shapiro photo
Using the ropes and pulleys, firefighters work to extract the victim from the bottom of the tank. Larry Shapiro photo
Another view of the overall scene with technical rescue, support, and EMS personnel in place. Larry Shapiro photo
The decon unit has separate areas to decontaminate the victim and the rescue personnel. Larry Shapiro photo
Another firefighter begins the decontamination process. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighters begin their decontamination outside the unit before going through a series of showers inside the truck. Another team works to decontaminate the victim on the other side. Larry Shapiro photo
All contaminated ropes and equipment are collected. Larry Shapiro photo
After completing the decontamination showers, a firefighter dons a generic smock before going to the hospital for a quick examination. Larry Shapiro photo
The external decontamination area alongside Decon 1. Larry Shapiro photo
Additional ambulances from Elk Grove Township and Skokie were special called to the scene to standby for medical emergencies. Ambulances from Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Highland Park were used for firefighters, the victim, and another worker from the cleaning company. Larry Shapiro photo
Des Plaines Fire Department Technical Rescue Squad. Larry Shapiro photo
Other posts from this incident are HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Tim Olk has a gallery of images HERE.
More images still depicting the confined space recovery of a worker Thursday in Wheeling.
Tech team members make preparations for the recovery. Tim Olk photo
An overview of the tanks and the recovery operation. Tim Olk photo
Several technical rescue team members confer on top of the storage tank. Larry Shapiro photo
The rigging is setup from the tower ladder. Larry Shapiro photo
Firefighters go over their action plan and check their equipment. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter is readied for entry into the tank. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter is lowered into the storage tank. Larry Shapiro photo
The firefighter is now inside the storage tank. Larry Shapiro photo
Several firefighters stand by as one team member attaches a harness on the victim so he can be removed from the noxious tank. Larry Shapiro photo
An overview of the scene and fire apparatus in the company parking lot. Larry Shapiro photo
The scene has been setup for the victim to be removed to the decon area and then into the awaiting ambulance. Larry Shapiro photo
More images from the confined space rescue in Wheeling 11-29-12. Previous posts are HERE and HERE.
Decon 1 arrives at the scene and is backed into position . Larry Shapiro photo
Decon 1 from Arlington Heights. Tim Olk photo
Firefighters setup the decon area. Larry Shapiro photo
Additional members of the technical rescue team arrive. Tim Olk photo
Schaumburg Squad 55 and 55A arrive at the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
The contractor’s truck. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter examines the what might be used as the anchor point for the recovery ropes. Larry Shapiro photo
Members of the technical rescue team suit up for the recovery. Larry Shapiro photo
This is the first of several updates which will depict the confined space recovery operation Thursday at the Sunnyside Corporation industrial accident where a worker was overcome by methylene chloride fumes in an outside storage tank. Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro were at the scene for much of the operation.
The first images are from Larry Shapiro who arrived shortly after the first Wheeling fire companies and the determination was made that the operation would be a recovery and not a rescue.
A Wheeling lieutenant on top of the tank dons his self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Larry Shapiro photo
Workers standby and await word about the fate of their co-worker trapped inside the storage tank in the corner. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter secures a smoke ejector to a rope so it can be hoisted to the top of the tank. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter prepares to setup the fan above the tank opening. Larry Shapiro photo
The fan is hoisted to the top of the tank. Larry Shapiro photo
The tower ladder is positioned to be deployed as an anchor point above the storage tank when the recovery is made. Larry Shapiro photo
A technical rescue box alarm was initiated and on-scene units made preliminary preparations for the removal prior to the arrival of the supplemental technicians, equipment and supplies.
A contractor hired to clean a large chemical storage tank at the Sunnyside Corporation, 225 Carpenter Avenue in Wheeling was overcome by fumes while inspecting the tank. Wheeling firefighters responded and determined that the worker was beyond the point of a rescue and initiated a recovery by the technical rescue team. A Box Alarm was requested bringing roughly 20 techs from area departments to the scene.
The body of the worker was removed from the tank roughly three hours after the initial alarm was requested.
Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro were at the scene and will have images plus a video.
In the meantime, media articles can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE.
