Inspection Detail

Inspection: 110349131 - Patterson Painting Contractor

Inspection Information - Office: Little Rock Area Office

Investigation Summary

Employees #1 through #6 were working in a private residence removing old carpet and adhesive by spraying lacquer thinner on the remaining rubber and adhesive stuck to the floor. After the stuck material loosened, a flat hoe was used to scrape it off. An estimated 10 to 15 gallons of lacquer thinner were sprayed onto a floor measuring 11 1/2 ft by 13 1/2 ft. A gas hot water heater was located down the hall. While all 6 employees were in this small area a fire occurred, not an explosion. The only reason the house is still standing is because the atmosphere was too rich; the upper explosive limit was exceeded. Employees #1 through #4 died at the scene from asphyxia due to smoke inhalation. Employees #5 and #6 received 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns over most of their bodies and are in critical condition.

Keywords: BURN, ASPHYXIATED, THINNER, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, WORK RULES, FIRE, CONSTRUCTION, INHALATION, SMOKE, WATER HEATER