Cali-Co Inc: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Jan 5, 2017: Two employees are injured when cargo tank explodes

At 2:30 p.m. on January 5, 2017, Employees #1 & #2 were using welding equipment to repair a small crack on the landing gear mounting support bolster of the cargo tank # 253. Employee #2 was the welder and Employee #1 was the welder assistant at the time of accident. The work was taking place at the welding area in the back of company's property. At approximate 1:30 PM, Employees #1 & #2 were directed by the company president to open the top manways and product piping on the cargo tank and attach a blower to the cargo tank to purge any hazardous vapors before any welding was performed. After locating the crack, Employee #2 started preparing the welding with some grinding and cleaning the crack. Employee #2 then began welding and Employee #1 stood next to his position to assist Employee #2. After few minutes of welding, the explosion occurred. Employee #1 suffered serious back and spine injuries that caused permanent paralysis from the hip down. Employee #2 suffered second-degree burns to face, chest, back of ear, and hand, as well as fractured face and internal organs injuries. Both Employee #1 and Employee #2 were transported to St Francis Medical Center and transferred to Torrance Medical Center later that evening. Employee #2 was hospitalized for 2 weeks at the Torrance Medical Center. Employee #1 was hospitalized for few months at Torrance Medical Center, then transferred to USC Hospital, and finally transferred to the rehabilitation center in Downey.