Safety Flash
UK HSE: Worker fatally injured in oil drum explosion
UK HSE: Worker fatally injured in oil drum explosion
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 15/21
- ExplosionHazardous SubstancesHot Work and Fire
- ExplosionHazardous substances
- Hot work
- Safety communication
Summary
An engineer suffered fatal injuries when a drum exploded while he cut its lid with a plasma torch. Drums labelled for motor oil had previously held gasoline without correct relabelling. The flash highlights residual vapour ignition and calls for adequate container information, labelling, cleaning and de-gassing before hot work.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Summary
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted a company after a worker was killed when an oil drum exploded during hot work
IMCA SF 15/21. Themes: explosion, hazardous substances, hot work and fire.