Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310102835 - Special Coatings Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Ky Labor Cabinet Division Of Osh Compliance

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 was standing on a ladder on the side of 8-ton sandblasting pot using a claw hammer to loosen the 12-ft, 20-lb lid on top of the pot. The pot was pressurized to 140 psi and contained coal slag which was used as the sandblasting agent. The lid was held in place by 5 bolts and tightening handles. As Employee #1 loosened the lid, a sudden release of air pressure and slag occurred. The lid was blasted upward and Employee #1 fell backward to the ground. Employee #1 was killed when he was decapitated either by the lid, or by being blown back from the pot and striking the frame of the hopper over the pot. His head was found approximately 153 ft from the pot.

Keywords: AIR PRESSURE, HEAD, SAND POT, BOLT, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT, DECAPITATED, SANDBLASTING, HOPPER