Makeshift Lighting Leads To Fatality

A worker was inside a pressure trailer tanker applying a coat of anti-corrosive paint. He was using a safety lamp with a 500-watt quartz beam. A folded coat hanger was wrapped around the light and hooked to the manhole flange.

The light slipped off the flange and landed on the floor of the tanker. An explosion and fire resulted. The worker died of severe burns.

An investigation found equipment had not been used safely and that the trailer was improperly ventilated and improperly guarded.

Do you know all the hazards of confined spaces and explosive materials? Do you always avoid the temptation of using makeshift equipment? The use of correct equipment and the strict adherence to safety procedures for confined spaces would have saved this worker’s life.