Inspection Detail

Inspection: 311067979 - J.R. Simplot Company

Inspection Information - Office: High Hazard Unit - Central

Investigation Summary

At 3:00 p.m. on October 9, 2007, two employees were working at a fertilizer manufacturing facility in Lathrop, California. At the time of the accident, Employee #1 and Employee #2 were attempting to clear a sulfur plug out of a steam condensate line located at the sulfur plant. The steam condensate line was heated with a rosebud torch, starting from the bottom of the pipe and working upwards. The two employees successfully heated and cleared a sulfur plug, but were not aware that a second sulfur plug had formed above. While continuing to heat the steam condensate line, water that was trapped above the second plug became overheated, converting to steam. When the steam pressure increased to a critical level, the steam condensate pipe failed, and steam with molten sulfur sprayed out of an opening that formed. The molten sulfur ignited as it covered the two employees, causing their shirts to ignite as well. Employee #1 suffered second-degree burns to his right arm and face. Employee #2 suffered second-degree burns to his right hand and face. The two injured employees were taken to Kaiser Permanente Manteca Medical Center in Manteca, California, for treatment.

Keywords: BURN, MAINTENANCE, STEAM, SULFUR, ARM, FACE, HAND