Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1580334.015 - Sivyer Steel Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: Iowa 0751910

Investigation Summary

At approximately 6:15 a.m. on February 14, 2022, an employee was preparing the workspace and examining the work product by walking around it before welding. The employee lit the flame on a Belchfire Belchfire Model D Air-Gas Torch (Natural Gas, 26 PSIG, BTU 1,000,000, Temp 2,150 degree Fahrenheit, 31-inch long w/ 10-in long / 4-in diameter combustion chamber), which the employee was using as a space heater in the space while the employee prepared the workspace and equipment for the welding activity. The torch is approximately 31-inches in length with a combustion chamber of approximately 10-inches and a diameter of approximately 4-inches. The torch is fueled by natural gas delivered through a fixed 1/2-inch piping system delivered at 26 PSIG. It has a BTU input of 1,000,000, and a flame temperature of 2,150 degrees Fahrenheit. The torch was placed on a floor stand on the right side of the welding table, between the welding table and the curtain separating the weld booths. The employee moved around the space and came in contact with the open flame, catching weld jackets and clothing on fire. The employee attempted to remove the weld jacket, but the fire was too hot, so the employee ran into the next booth, where another welder attempted to remove the weld jacket but failed. The employee eventually removed the weld jacket and clothing. No other attempts were made to extinguish the fire, such as using a fire extinguisher or drop and roll. There was no extinguisher on the ready; the nearest fire extinguisher is located approximately 50-100 feet outside the weld booths. The other welder went for the supervisor. The supervisor had the employee walk approximately 650-ft to the North station. Supervisor called 911. The employee put cold water on burned hands. The ambulance came, and the employee was transported to the hospital. The employee hospitalized to treat 3rd-degree burns on the back and torso and 2nd-degree burns on the hands.

Keywords: Back, Burn, Fire, Hand, Torch, Welding