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*                             HAZARD ALERT                          *  
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*  Produced by:  Saskatchewan Human Resources,                      *  
*                Labour and Employment                              *  
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *  
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OILFIELD WORKER BURNT IN EXPLOSION WHILE USING A PROPANE TORCH  
(TIGER TORCH) TO THAW A SALTWATER STORAGE TANK VALVE  
  
  
*** INJURY:  ***  
  
  The worker received serious burns to the upper body.  
  
  
*** CIRCUMSTANCES:  ***  
  
  The worker was unloading salt water from a tank truck into a saltwater  
  storage tank at an oilfield battery.  Sub-zero temperatures caused the  
  lines to freeze.  Using a propane "Tiger" torch, he cleared the lines  
  and valves on the tank truck.  Still unable to pump the liquid, he  
  attempted to thaw the fill line and valves of the saltwater storage tank.  
  The heat vapourized and ignited petroleum oils present in the storage tank,  
  causing an explosion.  The worker was thrown and briefly rendered  
  unconscious, his clothing on fire.  The tank truck, storage tank and  
  disposal shack were incinerated.  
  
  
*** PREVENTION:  ***  
  
  Subsequent investigations by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch  
  have determined that propane torches are commonly used to thaw valves and  
  lines in the industry.  Several accidents have resulted from the use of  
  this unsafe work practice.  Explosive petroleum residues are often present  
  in oilfield saltwater storage tanks and tank truck vessels (carrying TDG  
  #1267).  All sources or potential sources of ignition, such as propane  
  heating torches, shall not be used where an explosive atmosphere exists or  
  is likely to exist.  
  
  
*** REGULATIONS:  ***  
  
  The 'Occupational Health and Safety Regulations', section 270, requires the  
  employer to ensure that all sources or potential sources of ignition have  
  been eliminated or controlled where an explosive atmosphere exists or is  
  likely to exist.  The use of propane torches in oilfield operations under  
  these conditions is considered by the branch to contravene this regulation  
  and shall discontinue immediately.  
  
  
*** FOR MORE INFORMATION:  ***  
  
  The Occupational Health and Safety Branch, 1870 Albert Streeet, Regina,  
  S4P 3V7 (phone 787-4496).  Saskatoon office, 3130 - 8th St. East, S7K 2H6  
  (phone 933-5052).  
  
  
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