We have all seen the social media posts of these high-expansion foam systems discharging, and we watch in amazement at their efficiency in filling an airplane hanger. Some of these videos are from “system testing,” and some are from accidental discharges. But someone always asks the question: Could someone survive inside the foam? Here is a case where they did not.
At 1:30 p.m. on August 7, 2022, a production supervisor, 55, was in his office when the deluge system alarm was activated. Approximately 30 seconds after the audible alarm was engaged, the foam generators were activated and began to disperse 2.2% high-expansion foam. The employee attempted to exit his office to reach a safe point, but he was trapped in the foam.
The employee was found unresponsive near one of the outer walls a few hours after the system released.
The employee died as a result of asphyxia.
An investigation was not able to determine the reason why the suppression system was activated, as there was no fire at the facility.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Current Violations | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $68,368 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $68,368 |
| Current Penalty | $12,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,000 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 19100160 B04 | 01/13/2023 | 02/09/2023 | $0 | $14,502 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100160 B05 | 01/13/2023 | 02/09/2023 | $6,000 | $10,360 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement | ||
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19101200 H02 II | 01/13/2023 | 02/09/2023 | $6,000 | $14,502 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement | ||
| 4. | 01004 | Serious | 19101200 H03 II | 01/13/2023 | 02/09/2023 | $0 | $14,502 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement | ||
| 5. | 01005 | Serious | 19101200 H03 III | 01/13/2023 | 02/09/2023 | $0 | $14,502 | $0 | I – Informal Settlement |
Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1613102.015