Indiana Department Faces Fine Over Confined Space Close-Call

MUNCIE – Indiana’s Star Press reports that two Liberty Township volunteer firefighters injured in a May confined space rescue attempt violated OSHA regulations.
On May 26, firefighters Rick Compton and Brian Buck arrived in their personal vehicles at the scene of plumber and his assistant overcome in the bottom of a 12-foot deep hole. Both Compton and Buck entered the hole without any personal protective equipment and were rendered unconscious due to fumes from a chemical being used to clear a drain.

When properly equipped firefighters from Liberty Township arrived, as well as confined-space trained firefighters from Muncie, all four victims were placed in harnesses and lifted out of the hole.

Both Compton and Buck survived, however the plumber, Eric Dalton and his assistant Justin Benson died.

State officials investigating the incident found the firefighters operated improperly by attempting a rescue that they were not trained for. The Liberty Township fire department faced a fine of $1,500 or take corrective action to prevent a similar tragedy from occuring in the future.

Liberty Township Fire Chief Brett Devine has stated that his department has begun making the necessary changes to prevent members from operating in ways that they have not been trained. Devine also reports that the department has stopped members from responding directly to the scene in their personally owned vehicles as well.