Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300793353 - Nielson Dillingham Builders Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

At 9:15 a.m. on March 7, 2003, Employee #1, a journeyman pipe fitter, was working on a high pressure (175 psi) water line to repair an air release valve. Prior to commencing work, the line was depressurized and isolated from the main water line. For some reason, a coupling valve (Make: Lochinvar Corp.; Model: V-line), located downstream from Employee #1, failed. Employee #1 was struck in the chest by the coupling valve, throwing him seven feet backwards into a concrete wall. Employee #1 was hospitalized and treated for his injuries, which included fractures to both his pelvis and ribs on the left side of his body. A later investigation of the accident determined that the failure of the coupling valve was due to a manufacturer defect at the coupling connection.

Keywords: CHEST, FRACTURE, STRUCK AGAINST, PELVIS, RIB, VALVE, MECH MALFUNCTION