I. Schumann explosion preventable, OSHA says

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a statement saying the furnace explosion at Ohio recycled-content ingot maker I. Schumann & Co. LLC could have been prevented.

The agency, in a notice issued Aug. 14, says its inspectors found the company did not make sure that required lockout/tag out procedures were followed during the inspection of a furnace with a water leak.

An explosion that occurred as that leak was being investigated caused the death of a maintenance supervisor and injuries to 15 other employees. OSHA says the firm “failed to protect workers from the hazard of steam explosions.”

OSHA inspectors say the explosion happened while employees inspected a water leak on a furnace used to melt metallic inputs, with inspectors determining water leaked onto the molten metal inside the furnace, causing a steam explosion.

“Sadly, a worker lost his life and 15 others were hurt in an incident that was entirely preventable. It’s exactly why employers need to follow required safety procedures and train their employees," OHSA Cleveland Area Director Howard Eberts says.

OSHA also cited I. Schumann, which makes brass, bronze and other nonferrous metal ingots, for six violations and has proposed $62,500 in penalties. The ingot-making facility, founded in 1917, remains closed since the explosion.

The secondary metals company has 15 business days from receipt of its OSHA citations to comply with or contest the findings, or request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director.