Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126091677 - Allan Automatic Sprinkler Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: Monrovia District Office

Investigation Summary

At 11:00 a.m. on May 30, 2003, Employee #1 received flash burns on the face and left arm. Employee #1 worked for a fire suppression system contractor. Employee #1, a supervisor, was in the process of finishing up work on the fire suppression pump and standpipe system. The test was an annual flow test. The system is rather large, as it services a large warehouse complex for a food supplier concern. The test had been completed and the system was about to be restored to normal status. According to witness statements, one phase of a 480-volt, three-phase panel main servicing the pump arced over, producing a flash and an accompanying fire. According to Employee #1 and to witnesses, it is believed that a lug securing the middle leg in the three-wire assembly coming into the panel was loose and that this, coupled with repeated wear, caused a gap in the connection, resulting in the arc and flash over. Employee #1 sustained second and third-degree burns to the face and was hospitalized.

Keywords: BURN, FIRE EXT SYSTEM, ELECTRIC ARC, FIRE, FACE, PUMP