Inert Gas hazards associated with MIG (metal inert gas) and TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding

On December 31, 2008, a welder was preparing to conduct TIG welding on a 2″ X 65″ run of pipe located in the vent trunk compartment of an aluminum vessel under construction. The estimated height where the pipe entered the compartment was about 1.5′ from the bottom of the deck.

The welding process involved using an argon gas purge on the pipe.

The hose supplying the argon gas was in place on the top of the pipe.

At 9:15 a.m., the welder completed a prior welding project. At this time, the welder exited the vessel to adjust his welding machine to complete welding on the vent trunk.

At 9:18 a.m., a coworker passed the compartment where the welder was working and saw him laying on his side, unresponsive.

The coworker called his foreman for help, and the in-house rescue team responded. CPR was administered to the welder. He was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced DOA. The cause of death was asphyxia.

 

CASE FILE

Violation Summary
  Serious Willful Repeat Other Total
Initial Violations 3       3
Current Violations 1       1
Initial Penalty $13,500 $0 $0 $0 $13,500
Current Penalty $4,500 $0 $0 $0 $4,500

 

Violation Items
  # ID Type Standard Issuance Abate Curr$ Init$ Fta$ Contest LastEvent
Deleted 1. 01001 Serious 19150012 A01 III 07/02/2009 07/09/2009 $0 $4,500 $0 07/22/2009 F – Formal Settlement
  2. 01002 Serious 19150012 D02 II 07/02/2009 07/09/2009 $4,500 $4,500 $0 07/22/2009 F – Formal Settlement
Deleted 3. 01003 Serious 19150051 F01 07/02/2009 07/09/2009 $0 $4,500 $0 07/22/2009 F – Formal Settlement
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