Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for New Jersey: A 60-Year-Old Hispanic Maintenance Worker Killed when a Pressure Vessel Exploded; Eight Others Injured

摘要

On January 15, 2008, a 60-year-old male Hispanic maintenance worker was killed when a large pressure vessel exploded. The victim worked for a foundry in northern New Jersey. On the day of the incident, the victim and two other workers were in the process of testing the vessel for leaks, following repairs to the front access hatch of the unit, when the hatch blew off and landed approximately 38 feet away. The victim was standing in front of the hatch checking for leaks as another employee (standing to the side of the vessel) increased the pressure. The fatal injury occurred when the vessel was overpressurized and the front hatch exploded outward, striking the victim.