Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 202466967 - Employee Receives Burns While Closing Valve to Tank
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 310202726 | 07/17/2008 | 2833 | 325411 | 3 M Company |
Abstract: On June 19, 2008, and employee was collecting purified water samples, which was one of his regular duties. On the day of the accident, the employee had collected water samples from several locations before going to the site where the accident occurred. The employee collected the water sample from Port Number 12, using the same procedures as he had at the other ports, then moved to Port Number 13. This procedure was as follows: Use a three-step step ladder to reach the valve on the "U" shaped pipe, remove the clamp and cap, connect the purified water hose to the pipe and reclamp it. Open the valve on the pipe about a quarter turn. With the sample hose hanging over the bucket on the top step of the step ladder, open the valve at the end of the hose slowly to release the water. As the water flows out, measure the temperature and the "TOC". Then fill the two sample bottles with the purified water, turn the valve off completely on the pipe, remove the hose, clean the connection between the valve and hose and reclamp the valve. The accident occurred when the employee closed the valve on the pipe. He did not realize the valve was not closed completely because the valve was located about 87 inches above the floor and he had to stretch his arms over his head while standing on the second step of the three-step step ladder. When he removed the clamp and the sample hose, the hot water which was at a temperature of 75 degree Celsius came pouring out. The employee immediately stepped off the step ladder to get away from the hot water. Then he climbed back onto the second step of the ladder to reach the valve and turn it more. The ladder was covered with water and he slipped off. He then moved the ladder closer to the tank, climbed up again on the second ladder and this time he was able to turn the valve until it was completely closed. During this time, the employee got a lot of water sprayed on him, most of it on his left side arm, shoulder, and lower back. The employee received second and third degree burns and was hospitalized at Grossman Burn Center, Sherman Oaks, for ten days. The employee had two surgeries for skin grafts and treatment. He also had subsequent treatment at US Healthworks for pain in his right arm and shoulder, and received physical therapy until June 25. The employee also received treatment from a psychologist until September 3.
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 310202726 | Hospitalized injury | Burn/Scald(Heat) | Technicians, n.e.c. |
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