Labor Ministry and Incheon City Mandate Hazardous Gas Checks Before Manhole Work

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and Incheon City have agreed to implement a safety management system that requires checking oxygen and hazardous gas levels, as well as ventilation conditions, before starting work in confined spaces such as manholes. This decision comes in response to repeated asphyxiation accidents during projects commissioned by local governments.

On August 6, the Ministry and Incheon City held a "Declaration Ceremony to Eradicate Manhole Asphyxiation Accidents" at Incheon City Hall, announcing the pilot operation of a "Pre-Safety Confirmation System" at sites identified by the Incheon Environment Corporation as high-risk for asphyxiation.

This initiative aims to reduce incidents where workers become incapacitated due to hazardous gas exposure in confined spaces, leading to further injuries during rescue attempts. Last year, two people died in asphyxiation accidents in manholes and other confined spaces in Incheon, and three others were injured this year.

The system will involve confirming oxygen and hazardous gas levels and ventilation conditions through video or on-site inspections before work begins, with approval granted only if safety measures are in place. The Ministry has urged local governments and public institutions to ensure that pre-work plans are submitted and that safety and health measures are thoroughly checked before work commences.

The Ministry has outlined basic rules for on-site safety, including measuring oxygen and hazardous gas levels, ensuring adequate ventilation, and wearing respiratory protective equipment. It also advises against attempting rescues without proper protective gear and recommends calling emergency services first if a worker collapses.

Both agencies plan to expand the safety management system to local governments nationwide based on the results of the pilot program conducted by the Incheon Environment Corporation.

Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, emphasized the importance of local governments and public institutions setting an example, stating, "Since these projects are directly commissioned and managed by local governments, the public sector must lead by example. Please ensure the thorough implementation of pre-work plan submissions and safety and health checks before work begins."