Another example shows us that serious hazards can be found OUTSIDE of chemical processes, and applying the Line Break/Equipment Opening Procedure and Permit to these hazards could go a long way in controlling these recognized hazards. DEFINING and QUANTIFYING “hazardous energy” sources is STEP 1 in ensuring the process/system can be safely opened. Step 2 is applying LOTO to these tasks to ensure the process/system is at a Zero Energy State (ZES) BEFORE opening the system/process.
On May 7, 2024, at 1:40 p.m., Employee #1, a Production Engineer, 42, was performing daily assigned tasks when the Maintenance Coordinator requested that the employee replace a gasket on a wash tank camlock. While disconnecting a high-pressure hose from the bulk wash tank, the hose ejected water at 185F.
The hot water burned 98% of the employee’s body, resulting in fatal chemical burns.
Emergency services were called, but the employee died from the injuries.