ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 25
| Accident Type: |
Fire/explosion |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Fair and Cold |
| Type of Operation: |
Installing water line |
| Size of Work Crew: |
3 |
| Collective Bargaining |
Yes |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
Yes |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
Yes |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Welder |
| Age & Sex: |
28-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
2 Years |
| Time on Project: |
2 months |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A welder entered a steel pipe (24 inch diameter) to grind a bad weld at a valve about 30 feet from the entry point. Before he entered, other crew members decided to add oxygen to the pipe near the bad weld. He had been grinding intermittently for about five minutes when a fire broke out enveloping his clothing. Another crew member pulled him 30 feet to the pipe entrance and extinguished the fire. However, the welder died the next day from his burns.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection, OSHA issued three citations one willful, one serious and one repeat. Had the cited standards been followed, this fatality might have been prevented.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Do not use oxygen for ventilation, cooling or cleaning in welding operations (29 CFR 1926.353(a)(b).
- Comply with OSHA's required confined or enclosed space entry program (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(6)(i)).
- Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work and make sure they understand the confined space entry program and follow its procedures (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) and 1926.20(b)(1)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- "Occupational Fatalities Related to Fire and/or Explosions in Confined Work Spaces as Found in Reports of OSHA Fatality/Catastrophe Investigations," available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, Va. 22161, (703) 587-5650, publication no. PB 82-237-314, $13.00, pre-paid.
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services. Consult your telephone directory for the number of your local OSHA area or regional office for further assistance and advice (listed under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs).
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
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