A 43-year-old male employee was fatally injured in an explosion. On the day of the accident, the victim, a trailer mechanic, was working alone repairing a trailer in the maintenance shop of a freight distribution facility. There were no witnesses to the incident, and the building was deemed structurally unsound following the explosion. Through a detailed investigation, and incorporating findings from the Fire Marshall’s Report, it was determined that a 55-gallon drum of Diesel Anti-Gel, a Category 2 Flammable liquid (flashpoint below 100°F or 3.78°C), was most likely involved in the explosion. The Fire Marshalls Report determined that there were vapors from the Diesel Anti-Gel present on the floor in front of the drum and in the drum itself. The valve handle on the drum may have become unknowingly opened as employees moved through the often traveled area. Possible ignition sources in the area included static and an electrical arc resulting from the use of a nearby dropped electrical cord. Citations issued included, excessive quantities of flammable liquids being stored, containers of flammable liquids not covered, a flammable liquid container without a self-closing valve, and lack of grounding or bonding on containers of flammable liquids.
Citation(s) as Originally Issued…