Incident Investigation: Drum Explodes During Welding, Killing Worker | WorkSafeBC

Summary

A tragic incident at a kayak manufacturing shop highlights the dangers of hot work on drums that once contained flammable substances. A worker's attempt to repurpose an acetone drum resulted in a fatal explosion due to residual vapors. The video underscores the importance of risk assessment, adhering to MSDS precautions, and training in safe work practices to prevent such accidents.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Acetone vapors are highly explosive: Even a small amount of acetone vapor in a large drum can create an explosive environment.
• 🛠️ Tragic incident at a kayak manufacturing shop: A worker lost his life attempting to weld on an empty acetone drum.
• 🚫 Rinsing with water is not enough: Despite rinsing, the drum still contained explosive levels of residual acetone.
• 👷‍♂️ Worker safety is paramount: The script emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when dealing with flammable substances.
• 🔧 Welding on empty acetone drums is dangerous: The act of welding on a drum that once held flammable substances can have fatal consequences.
• 🔍 Perform a risk assessment: Before engaging in hot work, assess potential dangers to prevent accidents.
• 📄 Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): The MSDS for acetone provides important safety information and precautions.
• ⛔️ Follow manufacturer's instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines on handling and working with flammable substances.
• 🧼 Proper cleaning procedures: Ensure drums are thoroughly cleaned and tested for residues before any hot work is performed.
• 👨‍🏫 Training and supervision are essential: Workers must be trained and supervised to understand the risks and safety procedures.
• ⚠️ Learn from past incidents: The script serves as a reminder to be vigilant about the dangers of hot work on drums that have contained flammable substances.

Q & A

What is the minimum amount of acetone needed to create an explosive vapor inside a 44-gallon drum?

Only about a tablespoon of acetone evaporated inside a 44-gallon drum is enough to create an explosive vapor.

What was the worker trying to create from the empty acetone drum?

The worker was trying to create a shop cart from the empty acetone drum.

What was the initial problem the worker faced while welding on the acetone drum?

The worker had trouble welding and asked the shop's owner to check the welder's settings.

What action did the shop's owner take to help the worker with the welding issue?

The owner performed a test weld on the lid, adjusted the welder's settings, and then gave the welding gun back to the worker.

What happened when the worker attempted a second weld on the caster?

The welding arc burned through the lid, igniting the acetone vapor inside the drum, which exploded and threw the worker across the room.

What was the outcome for the worker after the explosion?

The worker later died from his injuries sustained in the explosion.

What did the lab testing of the fluid remaining in the drum reveal?

The lab testing showed that even though the drum had been rinsed, it contained enough residual acetone to become explosive.

Why can reusing a drum that once held flammable substances be a big mistake?

Reusing a drum that once held flammable substances can be a big mistake because it may still contain residual flammable substances that can cause fires or explosions.

What is the term used for work that can initiate fires or explosions, such as welding, cutting, and grinding?

The term used for such work is 'hot work'.

What should be done before performing hot work on a drum that previously held flammable substances?

A risk assessment should be done to identify potential dangers, including checking the precautions in the MSDS for the substance and following the manufacturer's instructions for flammable substances.

What precautions should be taken when hot work is allowed on a drum that previously held flammable substances?

Safe work procedures should be set up, such as how to clean the drum and how to test for residues. Workers should also be trained and supervised in these procedures to ensure they understand the risks and precautions.

What is the importance of knowing the contents of a drum before performing hot work on it?

Knowing the contents of a drum before performing hot work is crucial to assess whether it poses a danger and to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents like fires or explosions.