Abstract: Employee #1 was using a Sawzall to cut off the tops and bottoms of unwashed 55 gallon drums that had previously held oil-based paints and lacquer thinner. After cutting several drums and breaking a number of saw blades, hr decided to switch to an oxy/acetylene torch. The final drum to be cut had previously contained lacquer thinner, and the bungs had not been removed to allow it to air. The drum exploded while Employee #1 was cutting it. He fractured both legs and sustained second-degree burns to his face, hands, and neck. Employee #1 was flown to a local trauma center and then transferred to a burn center.