Accident

A mining company employee suffered severe burns when he was engulfed in flames following the application of diesel to a coal fire in a modified drum.

Circumstances

It had been common practice for many years for employees of the company to have a coal fire in a modified drum to keep warm in the winter months. The fire was lit with the aid of a rag soaked in diesel and fuelled with wood and coal.

Investigation

At the time of the accident the victim stood near the modified drum with three others. The coal in the drum was not burning particularly well so another application of diesel was made. The resulting increase in flame and warmth was not considered to be sufficient. A fellow employee who stood at the opposite side of the drum to the victim picked up the jerry can with the diesel and emptied more diesel onto the fire. This resulted in a sudden increase in flames, which engulfed the victim and ignited his polyester overalls. The ignited overalls kept burning for some time despite the desperate attempts of his fellow workers to extinguish the flames.

The investigation found that, prior to the incident, all four workers thought that diesel fuel was a safe method to fuel a fire. Because of this belief, diesel was used instead of petrol, which was known to be dangerous.

Recommendation

Diesel fuel is flammable in both liquid and vapour states and has to be kept away from heat, sparks, flames and other sources of ignition. While most diesel products usually ignite at between 60-80°C, some ignite at 52°C.

Petrol, diesel, waste solvents, methylated spirit and other flammable liquids should never be used as accelerants in any instances.

The scene of the incident including the modified drum and the diesel can used to add fuel to the fire

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Issued by the Department of Labour, New Zealand
http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz

No. 6 - Updated December 2005