Tri-State Brick &Tile Co., Inc.

Maintenance personnel were working to replace fan belts on a scrubber fan. The belts and fan pulley were rotating due to residual airflow and heat drafting through the ductwork. A 2x4 block was inserted between the fan pulley and the frame to stop the rotating components, then a pipe wrench was positioned on the shaft to prevent further movement. The employees were loosening the motor mounts when the pipe wrench slipped off the shaft, allowing the fan pulley to begin rotating again. The injured employee went to reposition the pipe wrench. The wrench contacted the shaft and the employee's right hand was caught between the wrench and the metal guard structure, resulting in amputations to the ring finger and little finger.