Blog
Expanding Foam Aerosol Fatality
12 July 2007
A fatality recently occurred on a Major Contractor's site, when an operative was using a 500ml aerosol can of Evo-Stik expanding foam (see photo) in a new house.
It was one of a batch of 3 boxes of 12, each purchased for the task and had just been delivered to site. The operative picked up one of the cans and gave it a shake as recommended on the can.
A pressure explosion occurred when the can burst/exploded at the top seam. The top flew off and hit both the ceiling and a wall leaving surface marks. The bottom section of the can flew out of the operatives' hand and hit him on the chest over the heart. The impact was so severe that the bottom section crumpled and wrinkled to some six inches. Although the severity of the impact neither penetrated his outer clothing or skin, it ruptured his heart causing bleeding to the inside of the heart sack, resulting in his death within several minutes. He was a fit man in his late 20's.
The HSE are involved and have taken all evidence away for examination. At the time they said they had not heard of any similar instances. However it has come to light that these cans have burst although the reasons for this are neither known nor documented. Cans bursting whilst sitting on a shelf in storage have been reported. If stored in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, the material inside the can could expand resulting in a catastrophic failing of the container. The Evo-Stik Data sheet offers no warning against bursting.
Learning Points
- All projects / offices must ensure that similar materials are stored and subsequently used correctly.
- It is imperative that the safety data sheet that is supplied with the product is checked and any explosion risk identified (whether obvious on the data sheet or not) and included within the COSHH Assessment and associated Risk Assessment / Method Statement.
- Storage methods and adequacy of associated systems of work should also be checked to ensure that safe use of such products can be assured.
17-Jul-2007: Update from Bostik (makers of Evo-Stik Expanding Foam)
We have been advised of an incident with one of the products from the Bostik range; Evo-Stik Expanding Foam, which has resulted in a fatal accident in the Highlands.
The matter is currently being investigated by HSE and the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland. From information we have received to date on this matter we understand that the canister was not used in accordance with the instructions. We are awaiting the final report on this matter however at this stage there is no suggestion that the product itself was at fault.
We understand that there are also rumours now circulating that the cans 'burst' for no reason. This is wholly inaccurate and we currently do not know why this is being reported.
We can absolutely assure you that the construction of the canisters and their resistance to pressure are tested as part of production and we can confirm that we have no incident of any fault with any of these containers.
The canisters do not 'explode' or 'burst' of their own volition and we have no record of this phenomenon ever occurring. Expulsion of the product from the can only occurs when the canister is misused (for example by piercing or subjecting them to heat. The cans and data sheets do warn not to do this)
As a responsible and diligent supplier we understand that you may have some concerns about this product we therefore wanted to reassure you that the Expanding Foam products supplied by Bostik Ltd are fit for purpose and we have no safety issues with this product.
Please contact our Technical Team on 01785 272727 who will be pleased to discuss any questions you may have on this product.