OSHA Accident Investigation · Summary #759589

BURN,FLAMMABLE VAPORS,WORK RULES,FIRE,SPRAY PAINTING,ELECTRIC LIGHT--PORT,WATER TANK

1988-02-27T12:50:00

Event: BURN,FLAMMABLE VAPORS,WORK RULES,FIRE,SPRAY PAINTING,ELECTRIC LIGHT--PORT,WATER TANK
Linked inspection: No inspection record linked to this accident's victims.
Summary number: 759589
Report ID: 453710

Event description

EMPLOYEE KILLED BY FLASH FIRE IN HAZARDOUS LOCATION

Investigation abstract

EMPLOYEE #1 WAS SPRAY PAINTING THE INTERIOR OF A 15 BY 15 BY 12 FOOT WATER TOWER ON FEBRUARY 27, 1988. THE TANK INTERIOR WAS A CLASS 1 HAZARDOUS LOCATION. THE E MPLOYEE WAS WEARING AN AIRLINE RESPIRATOR AND WAS USING A STANDARD PORTABLE LIGH T FOR ILLUMINATION. THE PORTABLE LIGHT WAS HUNG ON A RUNG OF A PORTABLE LADDER. AT ABOUT 12:50 PM THE PORTABLE LIGHT FELL TO THE FLOOR, SHATTERED AND IGNITED TH E PAINT FUMES. THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVED SEVERE BURNS TO 80% OF HIS BODY. HE DIED IN THE HOSPITAL ON FEBRUARY 29TH.

Victim

#1 Fatality Age 33 M

Nature of injury
4

Part of body
19

Event type
2

Source
16

Occupation code
759

Human factor
6

Environmental factor
10

Task assigned
1

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