On January 20, 2017, Employee #1, 45, was tasked with removing a “Victaulic Blind Flange” on the inlet section of a 400-ton chiller held in place with a split collar.
The machine had been idle for over four (4) months as it was winterized, with all electrical connections removed and locked out.
The employee began loosening the bolts on the collar…
On January 20, 2017, Employee #1 was tasked with removing a “Victaulic Blind Flange” on the inlet section of a Carrier 400-ton chiller, Model Number 30GXR415BA661ZV, that was held in place with a split collar.
The machine had been idle for over four months as it was winterized with all electrical connections removed and locked out.
The employee began loosening the bolts on the collar with a crescent wrench when a co-worker said he would get a socket wrench.
Employee #1 placed the socket wrench on the retaining bolt; the flange blew off, striking the employee in the face.
The employee was transported to the hospital and died at 7:20 p.m. on January 25, 2017.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1206325.015