Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 170174726 - Asphalt tank explodes when vapors ignited by heating coils

Accident Summary Nr: 170174726 -- Report ID: 0950614 -- Event Date: 11/08/1990
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
111824041	11/08/1990	2951	0	Western Colloid

Abstract: Employee #1 turned on the burner to a 25,000 gallon asphalt tank in an attempt to release a stuck level indicator float. The approximately 600 gallons of asphalt that remained in the tank was not enough to cover the heating coils. As the temperature of the coils reached an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 degrees F, the vapors released from the asphalt ignited. The resulting explosion threw the top of the tank 200 feet, and it crashed through a roof of a company warehouse. No injuries were reported.

Keywords: MAINTENANCE, VAPOR, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, WORK RULES, STORAGE TANK, JAMMED, EXPLOSION, HOT ASPHALT, FLYING OBJECT, HIGH TEMPERATURE

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury
1	111824041

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