Inspection Detail

Inspection: 111109237 - Petroleum Systems, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

Either Employee #1 or Employee #3 was attempting to cut a 2 inch metal pipe with a Milwaukee metal bandsaw, serial #0067892373, 120 VAC. The pipe was secured in a vise that was attached to the rear of the employer's work truck. Employee #2 was standing on top of one of two 5,000 gallon gas tanks, trying to remove a tank fitting. Sparks from the saw, the pipe wrench, or some other unknown source ignited the gas vapors, which exploded. Employees #1 and #3 died at the scene. Employee #2 died at the UNC Burn Center on October 18, 1994, as a result of burns sustained in the explosion.

Keywords: BURN, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, BANDSAW, WORK RULES, CONSTRUCTION, EXPLOSION, SPARK, GASOLINE, TANK