Inspection Detail

Inspection: 316981406 - Mcm Fabricators, Inc. Dba Global Fabricators

Inspection Information - Office: Bakersfield District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 9:00 a.m. on December 13, 2013, Employee #1, a 40-year-old male, welder with Mcm Fabricators Inc. Dba Global Fabricators., was performing the routine task of prepping steel using a grinder. Employee #1 was working by himself on the first level of an oil rig platform sub-base. Another Fitter/Welder was working on the second level of the platform and the crew supervisor was working on the second level of the platform. Employee #1 was using a grinder and was standing inside a recessed box, where the oxygen acetylene torch hoses were also present. A leak from the acetylene hose provided the fuel source and a spark from the grinder provided the ignition source for a flash fire to occur. This fire resulted in serious burns to Employee #1's legs and feet. Employee #1 was transported by ambulance to an occupational physician and from there was transported to the Grossman Burn Center at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield. Employee #1 was admitted to the hospital for ten-days for burn injuries. The investigation concluded that fire occurred due to a defective splice on the acetylene hose that allowed the acetylene leak causing a fire and the serious injury. The facility involved in the incident was a 114-person business engaged in the fabrication of industrial steel items. The injured employee #1 had been working there for seven years performing duties of a welder, including preparing steel before hot work began.

Keywords: BURN, GRINDER, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, WELDING, GAS, WELDING CABLE