Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307329888 - Officemax Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Medford

Investigation Summary

On August 11, 2004, Employee #1 was at a Liquid Propane filling station filling a Hyster forklift. As he was filling the fuel tank, he encountered a vapor lock preventing fuel from pumping into the tank. He removed the filling nozzle and turned toward the rear of the Hyster and cracked the filler valve to force the vapor lock out of the system. The valve hose pressure caught him off guard, spinning his upper body approximately 180 degrees to his left. This caused the nozzle to point at the rear portion of the Hyster forklift with LP Gas flowing. An explosion occurred, burning his right forearm and the right side of his face with second-degree burns. He continued to work until the pain was too much and was hospitalized. The only known ignition source was the high engine temperatures. The intake manifold runs at approximately 230 degrees, while the exhaust manifolds run up to 700 degrees during the summer weather. The involved Hyster had open venting on the sides of the engine compartment, allowing the LP Gas direct access to the engine compartment during the accident.

Keywords: BURN, FOREARM, GAS, EXPLOSION, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, HIGH PRESSURE, LP GAS, PROPANE, FACE, PRESSURE RELEASE