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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: 1662425.015 - South Town Refrigeration, Llc
Inspection Information - Office: Peoria Area Office
Site Address:
South Town Refrigeration, Llc
1200 Capital Airport Dr.
Springfield, IL 62707
Mailing Address:
1330 North Grand Ave. W, Springfield, IL 62702
Union Status: Union
SIC:
NAICS: 238220/ Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Inspection Type: Fat/Cat
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 09/08/2023
Emphasis:
Case Closed:
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 2019017 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $23,439 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $23,439 |
| Current Penalty | $16,131 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $16,131 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 5A0001 | 09/12/2023 | 10/12/2023 | $16,131 | $7,813 | $0 | 10/05/2023 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100147 D04 I | 09/12/2023 | 09/27/2023 | $0 | $7,813 | $0 | 10/05/2023 | F - Formal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. |
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100147 F03 II D | 09/12/2023 | 09/27/2023 | $0 | $7,813 | $0 | 10/05/2023 | F - Formal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. |
Investigation Summary
At 11:00 a.m. on April 10, 2023, Employee #1 was performing maintenance on the refrigerant lines of a Carrier 30 GN/GT Liquid Chiller used for air conditioning an airport terminal. Employee #1 was removing the Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) from the hot gas bypass line. The line contained R-22 refrigerant and compressor lubricating oil at a pressure of approximately 100 pounds per square inch. A coworker was summoned to assist in the process of separating the pipe joint. The coworker placed a set of pliers on the pipe joint, as Employee #1 applied heat with an acetylene torch. As the pipe joint heated, the brazing material melted, and the joint was separated by the coworker with pliers. The pipe joint opened to the atmosphere, causing a pressure release of R-22 refrigerant and compressor lubricating oil. The compressor oil ignited from the heat of the pipe joint. A flame front expelled into Employee #1, causing burn injuries. Employee #1 was killed.
Keywords: Acetylene Torch, Air Conditioner, Airport, Burn, Fire, Maintenance
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1662425.015 | 55 | M | Fatality | Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters |