Inspection Detail

Inspection: 124384835 - Kalkaska Construction Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Miosha General Industry Safety & Health Division

Investigation Summary

On February 3, 1994, Employee #1 and coworkers, of Kalkaska Construction Services of Amoco Production Company, were draining fluids and sand from the sand catcher tank on a natural gas well that had 3,000 psi head pressure. As the sand catcher tank emptied, gas rushed out the drain line, raising the end of the unsecured line. A fitting failed, and the line blew apart. Employee #1 was struck in the face by the piping system. Metal striking metal then ignited an explosion and fire in which Employee #1 was killed. A citation was issued for a serious violation of Section 11a, 5711(1)(a) and 5739(3).

Keywords: GAS WELL, WORK RULES, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, EXPLOSION, DRAIN PIPE, FIRE, NATURAL GAS, HIGH PRESSURE, STRUCK BY, METAL PIPE