Inspection Detail

Inspection: 2395341 - U.S. Contractors, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Houston North Area Office

Inspection Nr: 2395341

Report ID: 0626600

Date Opened: 10/22/1987

Site Address:
U.S. Contractors, Inc.
2401 5th Ave. South
Texas City, TX 77590

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box Drawer 447, Clute, TX 77531

Union Status: NonUnion

SIC:1796

NAICS: 0

Inspection Type: Accident

Scope: Partial

Advanced Notice: N

Ownership: Private

Safety/Health: Safety

Close Conference: 11/17/1987

Emphasis:

Case Closed: 11/17/1987

Related Activity
Type	Activity Nr	Safety	Health
Accident	360345342

Investigation Summary

Investigation Nr: 14409932

Event: 10/07/1987

One killed, one injured when overpressurized joint fails

Employees #1 and #2 were helping to pressurize a hydrogen unit heat exchange to test for leaks. The housing was removed from a floating head cover, exposing an expansion joint. Employee #2 was standing on top of the exchange tightening bolts on the floating head. Employee #1 was observing from directly in front of the expansion joint. The exchange was pressurized with nitrogen to 370 psi. Coworkers were applying a soap solution to the connections when the expansion joint failed. The front of the joint flew about 40 to 50 feet forward, striking and killing Employee #1. The force of the explosion broke Employee #2's left ankle. He was hospitalized for his injuries.

Keywords: WORK RULES, BOILER, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, EXPLOSION, HEAT EXCHANGER, ANKLE, HIGH PRESSURE, STRUCK BY

Investigated Inspection
#	Inspection	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	2395341					Occupation Not Listed

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