Inspection Detail

Inspection: 107004020 - Globe Metallurgical Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Mobile Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on September 21, 1990, an experimental furnace used to produce silicon carbide exploded and a subsequent fire occurred at the Globe Metallurgical Inc. Research and Development facility. Employees #1 and #2 were harvesting silicon carbide from the furnace and were equipped with aluminized hoods, aluminized jackets, gloves, and safety shoes. Employee #3 was operating the furnace's hydraulics behind a shield and was protected from the force and fire of the explosion. Employee #3 aided Employees #1 and #2 in getting out of the accident area. Employees #1 and #2 suffered burns over 80 percent of their bodies. Employee #1 died approximately 10 hours later; Employee #2 died 12 days later; and Employee #3 suffered minor smoke inhalation but required no hospitalization. All three employees were subcontracted by Globe through Eagle Construction Company. An internal water leak in the furnace, possibly due to a bad or faulty weld, allowing water to contact the hot material caused the furnace to explode.

Keywords: BURN, FURNACE, PPE, FIRE, BROKEN WELD, EXPLOSION, SMOKE INHALATION