Case Evaluation

Examples of Industrial Accidents: Fire - Explosion While Welding a Steel Pipe

Fire/Explosion
Accident Type:
Fire/explosion
 
Weather Conditions:
Fair and Cold
Type of Operation:
Installing water line
Size of Work Crew:
3
Collective Bargaining
Yes
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:
Yes
Safety and Health Program in Effect:
No
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:
Yes
Training and Education Provided:
No
Employee Job Title:
Welder
Age & Sex:
28-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:
2 Years
Time on Project:
2 months

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

A welder entered a steel pipe (24 inch diameter) to grind a bad weld at a valve about 30 feet from the entry point. Before he entered, other crew members decided to add oxygen to the pipe near the bad weld. He had been grinding intermittently for about five minutes when a fire broke out enveloping his clothing. Another crew member pulled him 30 feet to the pipe entrance and extinguished the fire. However, the welder died the next day from his burns.

INSPECTION RESULTS

Following its inspection, OSHA issued three citations one willful, one serious and one repeat. Had the cited standards been followed, this fatality might have been prevented.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Do not use oxygen for ventilation, cooling or cleaning in welding operations.
  • Comply with OSHA's required confined or enclosed space entry program.
  • Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work and make sure they understand the confined space entry program and follow its procedures.

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