Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 14534184 - Employee dies of burns after propane tank explodes

Accident Summary Nr: 14534184 -- Report ID: 0931300 -- Event Date: 08/21/1990
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
110636362	09/04/1990	5984	0	Commonwealth Industrial Gas Company
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
110636388	09/06/1990	5984	0	Microgas Corporation Dba Marks Lp Gas

Abstract: Employee #1 and coworkers were using a gasoline-powered forklift truck to move a full 1,000 gallon (wc) liquid propane gas (lp gas) tank that was designed for stationary use. An unapproved nipple with an inadequate pressure rating had been added to the bottom of the tank without protection from physical damage. It broke, spilling the contents of the tank. All employees evacuated the area, but Employee #1 ran back to the spill site to turn off a gasoline-powered generator. The cloud of lp gas was ignited, presumably by the forklift that has been left running. Employee #1 suffered burns over 60 percent of his body and died 15 days later.

Keywords: BURN, FLAMMABLE LIQUID, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, WORK RULES, FIRE, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, EXPLOSION, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, LP GAS, TANK

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	110636362			Fatality	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
2	110636388					Occupation Not Listed

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