Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Michigan: Welder Dies During Welding Repair Inside of Cargo Tank Compartment

摘要

On November 16, 2006, a 27-year-old male welder was killed while performing MIG welding repairs to the inside of a cargo tank that previously held diesel fuel. The four-compartment tanker was rinsed with steam and cooled, and then transferred into the work area. The decedent placed a ventilation hose into Compartment no. 4 by opening the ten-inch fill lid of the portal covering. After visually checking the outside of the tanker to confirm the leak location, the decedent removed the portal cover for Compartment no. 3 and transferred the ventilation hose from Compartment no. 4 to Compartment no. 3. The decedent did not open the portal covers for compartments no. 1 and no. 2. With the blower hose operational, the decedent entered Compartment no. 3 on four different occasions; once to check the Compartment for the leak location, once to perform grinding to prepare the leak location for welding repair, and twice to perform welding. It is unknown if the decedent conducted air monitoring. After entering Compartment no. 3 for the fourth time, vapors from Compartment no. 4 ignited during the welding in Compartment no. 3 and an explosion occurred. The decedent died at the scene.