In an ordinary setting (i.e., one without flammable gases or vapors), its use is typically not considered Hot Work by many. We always managed the hazards/risks when their use was not part of a formal hazard assessment for production/shipping. But when a heat gun was used as part of maintenance activities in an area where production or shipping is not using them, this was indeed HW. Case in point in this PRCS Fatality where the use of a heat gun ignited the explosion…
On March 27, 2024, @ 11:10 a.m., two (2) employees appear to have set oil or fumes in a gun barrel tank on fire using a heat gun. The employees were attempting to get out of the tank, when it exploded. One employee, 35, suffered a concussive injury, resulting in a fatality. The other employee suffered 20% burns and was hospitalized.
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 5 | 5 | |||
| Current Violations | 4 | 4 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $72,590 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $72,590 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $46,458 | $46,458 |
| # | Citation ID | Citation Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | Contest | Latest Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Other | 19100146 D01 | 08/12/2024 | 09/06/2024 | $11,614 | $14,518 | I – Informal Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002A | Other | 19100146 D04 I | 08/12/2024 | 09/06/2024 | $11,614 | $14,518 | I – Informal Settlement | |
| 3. | 01002B | Other | 19100146 D04 VIII | 08/12/2024 | 09/06/2024 | $0 | $14,518 | I – Informal Settlement | |
| 4. | 01003 | Other | 19100146 D06 | 08/12/2024 | 09/06/2024 | $11,614 | $14,518 | I – Informal Settlement | |
| 5. | 01004 | Other | 19100146 E01 | 08/12/2024 | 09/06/2024 | $11,614 | $14,518 | I – Informal Settlement |
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