Inspection Detail

Inspection: 316817337 - Performance Mechanical, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: High Hazard Unit - Central

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:30 a.m. on April 25, 2013, Employee #1, a pipe fitter, was checking for leaks on a 20 in. heavy crude pipe located on a ground level pipe rack. He was wearing all required personnel protective equipment, hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots and Nomex gloves. The pipe ran from a wharf to a tank farm. He worked for a mechanical contractor that specialized in industrial construction services, including mechanical construction, plant maintenance, facilities services, process piping installation, service and repair. Employee #1 was conducting a hydro test on the piping. The hydro test involved the pressurization of a pipe with water to assess all flanges, thermal and pressure wells, welds and other attachments/line additions for leaks. To access the 20 in. pipe, he stepped from atop an 8 in. line onto the 20 in. pipe. As he did this, Employee #1 struck his head on an overhead piping and fell approximately 24 in. to the ground. He also struck a pipe support column in the fall and sustained an open tibia and fibula dislocation to his left leg. Employee #1 contacted his supervisor via radio. Emergency services were activated and emergency responders provided basic life support upon arrival. Employee #1 was transported to a medical center for further treatment, including surgery and was then hospitalized in excess of 24 hours. He was wearing all required personnel protective equipment, hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots and Nomex gloves. Employee #1 may have misjudged the hazard of the overhead 8 in. pipe and may not have seen the pipe due the brim of his hard hat obstructing his view, when climbing to the 20 in. pipe.

Keywords: STRUCK AGAINST, DISLOCATED, FALL, PIPE, LEG