Young Worker Burned in Drum Explosion

Summary

A young worker's safety was tragically compromised when using a plasma cutter on a seemingly empty drum that had held methanol. The explosion that followed caused severe burns and highlighted critical safety oversights: lack of risk assessment, inadequate training, supervision, and health and safety measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper worker instruction, supervision, and adherence to safety regulations when handling potentially hazardous materials.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Safety assessment is crucial before cutting drums that previously contained flammable substances.
• 🔥 Methanol, even in small quantities, can create an explosive environment when vapors ignite.
• 👷‍♂️ Workers must receive adequate instruction and training on their duties and the use of equipment like plasma cutters.
• 👀 Supervision is essential to ensure workers perform their tasks safely, especially when handling hazardous materials.
• 🚫 Avoid using torches on drums that previously contained flammable liquids unless explicitly allowed by the manufacturer and with special precautions.
• 🏥 There should be a health and safety committee or program in place to manage risks and prevent accidents.
• 🆘 First aid attendants should be available to respond to emergencies promptly.
• 🎓 Young workers require orientation and training as mandated by regulations to ensure they understand workplace safety.
• 🔥 The incident resulted in a serious fire and severe burns to the worker, highlighting the importance of safety measures.
• 📚 Employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment and provide necessary safety training and supervision.

Q & A

What was the young worker using to cut the top off the drum?

The young worker was using a plasma cutting torch to cut the top off a 45-gallon drum.

What had the 'empty' drum previously contained?

The 'empty' drum had previously contained windshield washer concentrate, which was 100% methanol, a flammable liquid.

Why was the situation explosive even though only a small amount of methanol remained?

Only about a tablespoon of methanol evaporated inside the drum is enough to create an explosive environment.

What happened when the plasma torch pierced the drum?

When the plasma torch pierced the drum, the vapors from the residual methanol ignited, causing the drum to explode.

What were the consequences of the explosion for the young worker?

The young worker suffered serious burns as a result of the explosion and ensuing fire.

What failures did the employer have in ensuring the safety of the operation?

The employer failed to assess whether cutting the drum was safe, provided inadequate instruction and training, and did not provide adequate supervision.

What additional safety measures were missing from the workplace?

There was no health and safety committee or program, no first aid attendant, and no young worker orientation and training as required by regulation.

What is the recommended procedure for using a torch on drums that previously contained flammable liquids?

One should never use a torch on drums that previously contained flammable liquids unless the product’s manufacturer allows it and special precautions are taken.

What are the key takeaways from this incident regarding worker safety?

The key takeaways are the importance of instructing, training, and supervising workers to ensure they can do their jobs safely.

What specific training was missing for the young worker?

The young worker lacked adequate instruction and training in his duties and in the use of the plasma cutter.

What regulatory requirements were not met in this case?

The regulatory requirements not met included the lack of a health and safety program, no first aid attendant, and no young worker orientation and training.