Inspection Detail

Inspection: 309337848 - International Metals Reclamation Company, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Erie Area Office

Investigation Summary

On May 3, 2007, Employee #1 was in the battery sorting area, attempting to remove the cells from a lithium battery. The battery consisted of at least 25 individual cells that were encased in a hard metal case. The ends of the case were sealed with a hard cap. The battery was a cylinder approximately 5 feet long by 1 inch in diameter and resembled a post for a chain link fence. Employee #1 was having difficulty opening the battery's case and end caps to access the cells, so he began striking it on a dumpster (hopper) in the area. Employee #3, (a contractor who was onsite on a regular basis and gained a working relationship with personnel in the battery sorting area) was dragging hose through the area and began talking with employees. He noticed Employee #1 struggling with the battery and striking it on the dumpster. Employee #3 and Employee #1 then discussed ways in which to remove the cells from the lithium battery. Employee #3 placed one end of the battery under the fork of the powered industrial truck that was parked in the area (between the fork and the building's floor) while holding the other end of the battery in his hands. Employee #1 stood directly across from, and near, Employee #3. Using the powered industrial truck's fork as a prying surface, Employee #3 lifted up on the lithium battery and it exploded. Shrapnel was blasted throughout the battery sorting area, up to approximately 40 feet from the explosion's point of origin. Employee #3 was not injured by the explosion. Employee #2 was standing in the general vicinity and received a laceration under her eye from the shrapnel. She received minor first aid at the site and was able to resume work duties. Employee #4, who was standing in the general area, complained of hearing problems after the explosion. His hearing problems were consistent with blast overpressure. His hearing returned to normal within an hour after the explosion and he was able to resume normal work activities. Employee #1 took the full impact of the shrapnel, which punctured his legs. He was transported to a hospital via emergency medical helicopter where he was hospitalized, treated, and then released a few days after the incident.

Keywords: BATTERY, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, EXPLOSION, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, LEG, DISMANTLING, EAR, HEARING LOSS, STRUCK BY, FACE