Abstract: AT 10:20 AM ON MARCH 4, 1987, EMPLOYEES #1 AND #2 WERE INSIDE A SWINSON EVAPORATOR U-TUBE INSPECTING, ASSESSING AND REMOVING CERAMIC LINING. THE U-TUBE IS A CONFINED SPACE MEASURING 40 INCHES IN DIAMETER, 9 1/2 FEET LONG, WITH A 20 INCH DIAMETER OPENING FOR ENTRY/EGRESS. HOT SALT BRINE ENTERED THE U-TUBE, RESULTING IN 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO EMPLOYEE #1 AND #2. EMPLOYEE #3 ASSISTED IN THE RESCUE OF EMPLOYEE #2 AND RECEIVED 2ND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE HOT SALT BRINE POURING OUT OF THE U-TUBE OPENING. THE OUTSIDE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. THE APPARENT CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT ISOLATING THE CONFINED SPACE FROM THE HOT BRINE LINES.