Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310202197 - San Cristobal Distributing

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

On June 22, 2008, Employees #1, #2, #3 and #4 were creating a drainage system for the farm. This drainage system would divert water away from a ravine. The water would be collected in a sump. The employees were directed to install the drainage system by the owner of the company and the owner's wife. The owner stated that he had requested the employees to excavate a sump and install a plastic lining to be purchased from a hardware store. According to the employees, the owner told them to utilize the 55 gallon drums located on the property at part of the sump system. The drums were to be cut on the side to insert piping into the drums. The employees were in the welding shed at the time of the incident. Based on the interviews conducted, the employees operating the Oxy-Acetylene torch system utilized the system to attempt to cut a hole in the barrel. The drum was not cleaned and no measures were taken to ensure that the drum was free of ignitable chemicals. The volatile organic compounds within the barrel were ignited by the torch. The resulting fire burned all 6 injured persons. Employee #2 was killed. Employees #1, #3 and #4 were hospitalized for burns. Interviews were conducted of three remaining employees, the owner and fire investigator. The investigation concluded that the drum containing Volatile organic compounds was ignited by the Oxy-Acetylene system as the flame approached the drum.

Keywords: BURN, DRUM, WELDER, EXPLOSION