Inspection Detail

Inspection: 309289049 - Air Products And Chemicals, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Fairview Heights Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:15 p.m. on August 14, 2007, an employee of a gas generation plant was preparing to open and close valves after blowing out the line, prior to generating nitrogen gas. The employee was one of two people in the entire plant, and had used a radio to note accomplishment of tasks during the start up of the machine to a coworker in the control room. The employee fell 9 feet 4 inches from either a fixed ladder or a work platform near a nitrogen gas generator. The employee sustained a blow to the head. The employee was killed. The fixed ladder only extended 10.5 inches from the work platform, and was 18 inches wide. All of the treads were 12 inches in length. There was a swing gate on the entry to the work platform which was made up of 3 inch angle iron. The gate was designed to close automatically by a spring mechanism. The fall surface was made up of gravel. The weather condition was clear and hot with no precipitation. The company did provide safety training regarding the safe use of fixed ladders to the employee.

Keywords: PLATFORM, LADDER, FALL, WORK SURFACE