Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307036574 - Michael Patti Painting

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on January 20, 2007, Employee #1 and a coworker, both painters, were lacquer spraying an office that had two built-in cabinets along both side walls with an arch entrance. All the entry ways were sealed off with plastic sheeting to prevent over spray and fumes from entering other areas of the house. At approximately 9:00 a.m., the vapors became so strong the homeowner gave the painters 2 small fans to use, a square Cool Breeze 10-in. box fan with 3 speed slide control, and an Oscillating Windmere round fan with 3 plastic press key type switches. Both fans were plugged in and when the coworker turned on one of the fans, the vapors ignited, and an explosion occured. Employee #1 was standing in the door way approximately 5 ft from the fans and was knocked off his feet. Employee #1 suffered second degree thermal burns to approximately 90 percent of his body, facial lacerations and smoke inhalation. This included burns to his head, face, nose, mouth, chest, abdomen, back, perineum, bilateral arms, hands, and legs. He was hospitalized and died due to complications of thermal injuries, multiple organ failures, and other medical complications.

Keywords: CHEST, HEAD, ABDOMEN, FAN, VAPOR, FIRE, IGNITION SYSTEM, EXPLOSION, SPARK, PAINTER