OSHA Accident Investigation · Summary #221553704
SOUTH TOWN REFRIGERATION, LLC
SPRINGFIELD, IL—
Event description
Employee sustains fatal burns while removing pipe joint with
Investigation abstract
At 11:00 a.m. on April 10, 2023, Employee #1 was performing maintenance on the pipe joint opened to the atmosphere, causing a pressure release of R-22 refrigerant and compressor lubricating oil. The compressor oil ignited from the heat of the pipe joint. A flame front expelled into Employee #1, causing burn injuries. Employee #1 was killed. refrigerant lines of a Carrier 30 GN/GT Liquid Chiller used for air conditioning an airport terminal. Employee #1 was removing the Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) from the hot gas bypass line. The line contained R-22 refrigerant and compressor lubricating oil at a pressure of approximately 100 pounds per square inch. A coworker was summoned to assist in the process of separating the pipe joint. The coworker placed a set of pliers on the pipe joint, as Employee #1 applied heat with an acetylene torch. As the pipe joint heated, the brazing material melted, and the joint was separated by the coworker with pliers. The
Victim
-
#1 Fatality Age 55 M
- Event type
- 14
- Occupation code
- 585
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