Using propane torch to thaw ice: Not a good idea
January 27, 2009 by Fred HosierPosted in: Bizarre Accident of the Week, In this week's e-newsletter, Injuries, Investigations, Latest News & Views, Stupid human safety tricks
PDF An employee was hospitalized after he used a propane torch to thaw ice on a piece of work equipment.
Trent Sack suffered multiple arm, leg and vertebra fractures while using a propane torch to thaw ice from inside a mechanical foot at a BNI coal mine in Center, ND.
The torch went out, and gas leaked. The gas exploded after Sack moved the opening cover of the mechanical foot aside and oxygen rushed in, according to the Bismarck Tribune. No fire resulted from the explosion.
The company reported the incident to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which conducted an investigation. No word on whether the company will be fined.
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February 2nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Don’t fine the company - fire the stupid worker.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Nah, Larry - anyone who works in a coal mine in winter in North Dakota has already suffered enough!
June 30th, 2009 at 11:44 am
The problem wasn’t using the torch to melt the ice, it was failing to seal the propane tank when the torch went out. Like treating a gun like it is always loaded, always turn off the gas.
July 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Also checking equipment before use cold have prevented the incident.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
He was in a confined space and did not turn the valve off then something made a spark or there was a heat source which caused the explosion.
Smart one!