Accident: 170361497 - Arm Burned In Natural Gas Explosion

At approximately 12 noon on June 26, 2000, Employee #1 was helping a contractor install a condenser and coil into an existing wall furnace and air conditioning system in a home. The contractor removed the duct work at the top of the furnace while Employee #1 moved it away from the wall. As they were performing their duties, natural gas leaked into the room and exploded. Employee #1 sustained first- and second-degree burns on his left wrist and forearm. The main gas valve had not been shut off prior to removing the furnace from the wall.

installing, methane, gas leak, explosion, furnace, burn, forearm, natural gas, work rules, flammable vapors

Accident: 121980320 - Killed In Propane Gas Explosion

On August 24, 1999, a residential home was nearing final completion when a propane gas leak occurred. The homeowner's wife, two children, and one friend of the children were at the home when the owner of Blashock Plumbing and Employee #1 arrived. They were notified of the leak and began to investigate its origin. Upon smelling propane gas in the basement and main living areas, the owner of Blashock Plumbing advised Employee #1 to shut off the main electrical disconnect to the house. When he did so, an explosion occurred and the home was completely destroyed. The homeowner's wife and the three children were injured, as was the owner of Blashock Plumbing and Employee #1, who died on September 4, 1999, from his injuries. The leak was apparently located at a connection at or near the gas fireplace on the main floor, and the gas vapors settled in the basement area, where the main disconnect was located. The leak preceded Blashock's arrival at the site, although the company's actions contributed to the subsequent events leading to the explosion and injuries.

Keywords: construction, propane, gas, explosion, gas leak, work rules, flammable liquid, flammable vapors, vapor, burn

Accident: 170205843 - Two Burned When Gas Ignites In Trench

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on August 16, 1999, Employees #1 and #2, were in a 5 ft by 5 ft by 2 1/2 ft deep excavation, repairing gas leaks in a PVC pipe system. They had already repaired four valves in the excavation. As they were working on a manifold, Employee #1 heard a hissing sound. The main shut-off valves were already closed, and the gas in the upstream lines were relieved. They returned to the excavation to bleed the residual gas. Employee #2 opened the valve and stood up to talk to Employee #1. A short while later, the gas ignited and flashed through the excavation. Employees #1 and #2 suffered first- and second-degree burns to their faces and hands. Both employees went to a nearby fire station and were taken to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco.

construction, gas leak, gas, methane, repair, burn, excavation, hand, fire, flammable vapors