Abstract: Employees #1, #2, and #3 were charging a chemical vessel. The charging process consists of mixing isophthalic acid (trade secret) and recovered ethanol in a 5,000 gallon vessel. The ethanol is piped into the vessel and the powdered isophthalic acid is poured into the top of the vessel through a hatchway. The recovered ethanol contains ethyl ether. Employee #1 noticed a strong smell of ether and ordered the charging operation shut down. As Employee #3 started to shut off the supply of ethanol to the vessel, ether vapors were ignited, possibly from static electricity. All three employees sustained first- and second-degree burns to their faces, hands, and arms.