Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. Please be aware that the information shown may change, e.g. violations may be added or deleted. For open cases, in which a citation has been issued, the citation information may not be available for 5 days following receipt by the employer for Federal inspections or for 30 days following receipt by the employer for State inspections.

Inspection: 1596724.015 - Keogh Electric

Inspection Information - Office: Omaha

Investigation Summary

At 9:00 a.m. on May 16, 2022, an employee was performing final operating checks after installing electric, heating and air ventilation (HVAC), and plumbing systems in a newly constructed residential home. A 1,000-gal propane tank was delivered at the site on May 12, 2022, and on May 13, 2022 the employee had performed initial checks on the fireplace and air conditioner. On May 16, 2022 the employee was working alone to perform the final operational checks on the furnace which was the final task remaining on the project. A large explosion occurred shortly after the employee began work at the jobsite. The structure was destroyed and the employee was killed from multiple injuries related to the explosion and fire. The employee's body was found close to the propane furnace in the basement of the home. The house explosion was caused by a propane release combined with an undetermined ignition source. The propane tank at the time of the explosion contained 50 gal of propane, which is a typical amount used by installers to verify correct operation of the equipment.

Keywords:explosion, fire, fuel tank, furnace, hvac, propane, residential construction, working alone