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Accident: 14557821 - Employee Killed, Others Burned By Natural Gas Flash Fire

Accident: 14557821 -- Report ID: 0653510 -- Event Date: 05/02/1989
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10849709005/03/19894924Big T Services
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10849765205/03/19894925Estoril Producing Corporation
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10849708205/03/19891799Standard Welding Works, Inc.
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10849709005/03/19894924Big T Services
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on May 2, 1989, Employee #3 was cutting a 4-inch natural gas line with an oxygen-acetylene torch. The line was blind flanged both downstream and upstream of the cutting operation. Flimsy gasket material was used between the flanges to prevent the flow of gas. The gasket material ruptured under pressure, releasing pressurized natural gas. Flames erupted through a 2 inch vent in the 4 inch pipe. The flame struck Employee #1, causing serious burns on approximately 90 percent of his body. He died on May 18. Employee #2 sustained burns to his face, back, arms, and hands. He was hospitalized and released. Employees #3 and #4 escaped with minor burns.
Keywords: hand, burn, fire, natural gas, pipeline, acetylene torch, rupture, back, face, cutting and burning
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 108497090 Fatality Burn/Scald(Heat) Helpers, extractive occupations
2 108497652 Hospitalized injury Burn/Scald(Heat) Supervisors, extractive occupations
3 108497082 Non Hospitalized injury Burn/Scald(Heat) Welders and cutters
4 108497090 Non Hospitalized injury Burn/Scald(Heat) Supervisors, extractive occupations

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