Manhole deaths under federal investigation

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Friday, Sept. 29, 2000 | 10 a.m.

Federal investigators are trying to determine whether a subcontractor violated workplace safety standards when two of its men entered a manhole without ventilation.

The workers died Tuesday when a buildup of gas, believed to be methane, seeped out of a sewer line and overwhelmed them. The men were attempting to remove dirt and debris which had clogged the line.

Henderson firefighters found Manual Ruiz, 24, and Manual Rodriguez-Saavedra, 25, both of Las Vegas, collapsed in the tunnel.

Henderson Fire Battalion Chief Robert Maroney said no ventilation system had been set up for the job, nor were the men wearing self-contained breathing equipment.

A ventilation system or breathing equipment is required in 99 percent of sewer line work involving a confined space, said Ron Parker, of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Las Vegas branch.

The two men were working for a subcontractor of Developers of Nevada.