Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1533274.015 - National Technical Systems, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Santa Ana District Office

Investigation Summary

At 9:05 a.m. on May 27, 2021, an employee who worked as a contract Engineering Associate for a testing laboratory died from undetermined causes related to an explosion and fire, possibly smoke inhalation. The employee worked for a contract provider of environmental simulation testing, inspection, and certification services who operated amplifiers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and pulse voltage meters. The employee was in the process of testing a C-130 Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) part. The unspecified part was owned by another entity and was placed within the contractor's test chambers at which time an Emission of Radio Frequency (RF) Energy test was scheduled. The employee had been working with Coworker #2 and Coworker #3, both whose occupations were unknown, and their roles not specified in the narrative. An explosion occured during the testing involving a compressor and resulting in a fire and heavy smoke. The area was evacuated and the Fire Department instructed everyone not to return.

Keywords: Compressor, Energized, Explosion, Fire, Inspecting, Inspection, Radiation, Smoke, Smoke Inhalation, Testing, Testing Lab