At 2:45 p.m. on May 31, 2024, Employee #1, 39, was performing welding work on a diesel fuel tank. During the welding process, an explosion occurred, resulting in the employee’s fatal injuries. The explosion was caused by overpressure inside the tank, which caused metal parts to be ejected. Emergency services responded to the scene, but the employee was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the explosion.
Far too many workers do not understand basic flammable liquids safety. Sure, Diesel fuel has a Flashpoint of 145F, as compared to gasoline’s FP of -50F. But what many do not recognize is that when both liquids are at their FP, diesel fuel is 3X’s as hazardous as gasoline. How can I make this statement? Simple…
Gasoline has an LEL of 1.5%
Diesel Fuel has an LEL of 0.5%
Welding on a diesel fuel tank that is NOT 100% clean will raise the temperature of the metal, thus transferring the heat to the diesel fuel liquid.
The liquid absorbs the heat, reaching its FP.
It then takes ONLY 0.5% (vs. that of gasoline’s 1.5%) of the space inside the tank to be diesel fuel VAPORS and we have an explosive atmosphere AND an ignition source present (e.g. welding/cutting torch).
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 2 | 5 | ||
| Current Violations | 3 | 2 | 5 | ||
| Initial Penalty | $29,035 | $0 | $0 | $922 | $29,957 |
| Current Penalty | $14,979 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,979 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | Contest | Latest Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001A | Serious | 19100178 L01 I | 11/18/2024 | $2,000 | $6,452 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested | |
| 2. | 01001B | Serious | 19100178 L04 III | 11/18/2024 | 02/12/2025 | $0 | $0 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested |
| 3. | 01002 | Serious | 19100252 A02 XIV A | 11/18/2024 | 02/12/2025 | $2,000 | $6,452 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested |
| 4. | 01003 | Serious | 19100252 A03 II | 11/18/2024 | $10,979 | $16,131 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested | |
| 5. | 02001 | Other | 19040029 A | 11/18/2024 | 01/07/2025 | $0 | $922 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested |
| 6. | 02002 | Other | 19100037 B06 | 11/18/2024 | 02/12/2025 | $0 | $0 | 12/16/2024 | C – Contested |
Sources: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1751979.015