Cal/OSHA cited an industrial service provider following an investigation of a flash fire inside a metal tank that resulted in serious burns to an industrial painter. Cal/OSHA cited the employer for
- knowingly using an unauthorized electric lamp while the painter was working in an explosive atmosphere,
- for not having a permit to work in a confined space and
- for not having the proper ventilation or protective equipment for such a hazardous space, among other violations.
Total proposed penalties are $82,090.
On December 17, 2013, the worker was spraying a flammable coating on the inside walls of a large steel tank when a fire was ignited by a portable halogen light. The 37-year-old man was rescued but spent three days in the Burn Unit of the San Joaquin Community Hospital. Cal/OSHA’s investigation found the employer did not meet the requirements for working in a confined space. Cal/OSHA cited the company on June 16 for one willful serious accident-related violation and three serious violations related to the lack of required entry permit for confined spaces, lack of proper equipment and inadequate training for employees working in the tank. Twelve additional citations were issued for a range of general violations, including failure to report the serious work-related injury within eight hours of the accident (which was reported four days later).
CLICK HERE for the CAOSHA release
