Inspection Detail

Inspection: 122482334 - Fort Howard Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: Appleton Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 22, 1996, Employees #1 and #2 were replacing the valve gasket on a boiler at a power plant. While they were working, a feed water pipe above them ruptured for an unrelated reason. The pipe had been under 900 psi of pressure, and it was carrying steam/water at 400 degrees F. The rupture released steam into the power plant. Employee #2 sustained burns over most of his body and died at the scene. Employee #1 sustained serious burns and was transported to St. Mary's Burn Center in Milwaukee, where he died on April 23, 1996.

Keywords: STEAM, WATER PIPE, HOT WATER, BURN, MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION, RUPTURE, HIGH PRESSURE, PRESSURE RELEASE