Inspection Detail

Inspection: 106641384 - Olin Corp./Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Inspection Information - Office: Kansas City Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 was working alone, preparing a primer mixture containing lead styphnate and other explosive materials. He was using an automatic timer to combine the materials in a bowl from a remote location. Once the slurry was mixed, he entered the mixing room to push the materials down the sides of the bowl with a sponge. At some point, the 12 1/2 lb mixture exploded, killing Employee #1 instantly. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown.

Keywords: EXPLOSIVES, EXPLOSIVE MIXING, WORK RULES, EXPLOSION, CHEMICAL REACTION, CHEMICAL