Employee #1 was inside a barge cutting away the bottom plate on the port side. Employee #1 was using a cutting torch supplied with oxygen and Chemtane fuel gas.
Employee #2, the foreman, and an additional seven employees were inside the barge conducting similar activities on the starboard and port sides. Two were assigned as fire watches. The activities were conducted towards the bow of the barge.
Employee #1 had to lie on his stomach to conduct the torch cutting because of the limited space. A fire erupted near Employee #1. Employee #2 attempted to rescue Employee #1. Employee #1 and Employee #2 were killed as a result of the fire. The additional seven employees escaped without major injuries.
What went wrong?
Acetylene and other chemical metalcutting torches should only be used in ventilated areas. The toxicity of the fumes are increased in low-ventilation conditions; the potential for explosion is increased; and the ability of employees to escape a fire or explosion is critical for safety.
Although the exact cause of death for the two employees is not given, those two circumstances, as well as burns, are possible.
