Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120279021 - Martin Pump & Equipment Co

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

A temporary employee, with six days of experience, was operating a hydro-blaster. The employee was cleaning parts at a geo-thermal generating plant as part of a two-man team. They were operating an AquaDyne G-30 high pressure pump. The employee had been trained and instructed in the proper use of the equipment and the necessary PPE. The employer provided all PPE, including rain gear, rubber boots with steel toes, and steel metatarsal guards to wear over the boots. The employee was observed by a supervisor not wearing the metatarsal guards, and warned twice. The employee changed locations within the plant, and began working again without the metatarsal guards. While cleaning the part, the employee tried to clean the surrounding ground surface and inadvertently passed the tip of the wand over his right foot. The high pressure water cut through the rubber boot and intruded into his great toe just behind the edge of the steel toe inside the boot. The toes protected by the boot were not injured. The employee suffered high pressure intrusion injuries to his right big toe, with possible permanent damage to the nerves.

Keywords: PPE, HIGH PRESSURE, TOE, SAFETY SHOE, WATER