Inspection Detail

Inspection: 125225946 - Wolverine Tube, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

On February 2, 1996, Employees #2 and #3 were repairing wires on an Otokompo copper casting furnace used to manufacture copper tubing when Employee #2 saw sparks. He sent Employee #3 to the top of the furnace to see if other workers were throwing copper into the furnace. Employee #3 was atop the furnace on the walkway when the furnace experienced a steam explosion (cause not determined). As Employee #3 tried to escape, he fell down the stairs and broke his ankle and foot. Employee #2 ran from his position near the furnace and was struck in the back by molten copper, sustaining second-degree burns over his back. Employee #1, a supervisor, ran to the area to assist employees and sustained upper respiratory distress due to smoke and fire extinguisher fume inhalation. Employees #1 and #2 were treated and returned to work. Employee #3 was treated and returned to work within one month.

Keywords: BURN, FURNACE, RESPIRATORY, FRACTURE, STEAM, BACK, EXPLOSION, MOLTEN METAL, FALL, SMOKE INHALATION