Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1175330 - Stuart Electric Co Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Atlanta East Area Office

Investigation Summary

ON DECEMBER 28, 1984, EMPLOYEES #1 AND #2 WERE USING A 55 GALLON DRUM AS A FORM TO BEND REINFORCING RODS INTO A CIRCULAR SHAPE. THE DRUM CONTAINED TWO TO THREE GALLONS OF CONCRETE SEALER, WITH A ZYLENE BASE, AND WAS PROPERLY MARKED AS CONTAINING FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. WHEN THE WORKERS STARTED USING AN ACETYLENE TORCH TO HASTEN BENDING, THE DRUM EXPLODED. EMPLOYEE #1, WHO WAS SITTING ON TOP OF THE DRUM, WAS BURNED OVER 95% OF HIS BODY. EMPLOYEE #2 RECEIVED BURNS OVER 10% OF HIS BODY (ARMS, LEGS, AND HANDS). EMPLOYEE #1 DIED JANUARY 9, 1985, AS A RESULT OF HIS INJURIES.

Keywords: FLAMMABLE VAPORS, DRUM, EXPLOSION, HAND, BURN, FIRE, LEG, ACETYLENE TORCH, CONSTRUCTION, ARM