MEC&F Expert Engineers : 09/10/15

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Missing 1984 Lake LA-4-250 plane found crashed outside Somerset Airport, NJ, pilot killed

The crashed plane is shown in a 2008 photo


Mike Deak and Sergio Bichao, @sbichao 8:23 p.m. EDT September 10, 2015



(Photo: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)

BEDMINSTER A plane that had gone missing Tuesday was found Thursday crashed just outside Somerset Airport. The pilot, a 62-year-old man from Chester Township, has been reported dead.

The crash find was reported around 1 p.m. Thursday.The plane landed in a wooded area off the northwestern corner of the airport.


A plane reported missing early Thursday has been located in Bedminster Township.The Federal Aviation Administration says the single-engine Lake LA-4-250 aircraft took off from Somerset Airport on Tuesday evening. The plane was found at the airport Thursday afternoon. (Photo: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)

Airport officials did not know whether the plane had crashed during takeoff or landing. An FAA spokeswoman could not immediately release further details Thursday.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the crashed plane had been reported missing this week.

The airport is where the State Police stations its Medevac helicopter.

The aircraft is based out of this airport, but the name of the pilot was not released pending notification of family.

The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department was on scene.



Date:08-SEP-2015
Time:21:45+
Type:1984 Lake LA-4-250
Owner/operator:Private
Registration: N1401P
C/n / msn: 12
Fatalities:Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:0
Airplane damage: Unknown
Location:Somerset Airport (KSMQ), Somerville, NJ -   United States of America
Phase: Unknown
Nature:Unknown
Departure airport:Somerset (KSMQ)
Destination airport:
Narrative:
The aircraft impacted wooded airport terrain at Somerset Airport (KSMQ), Somerville, New Jersey. The amphibian airplane sustained unreported damage and the sole pilot onboard received fatal injuries.
Sources
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179461 http://newjersey.news12.com/news/1-dead-in-plane-crash-at-somerset-airport-plane-reported-missing-tuesday-1.10828648?firstfree=yes
http://patch.com/new-jersey/mendham-chester/search-morris-county-pilot-after-plane-goes-missing-0
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=1401P

7 injured, 1 critical, after explosion at Taser plant in Scottsdale, Arizona





abc15.com staff Sep 10, 2015
11 mins ago
scottsdale | northeast valley











SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Seven people were transported to the hospital after an explosion at the Taser plant in Scottsdale Thursday evening.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. at the facility near Perimeter Drive and Mayo Boulevard.

Scottsdale Fire Department officials say one person is in critical condition after suffering "explosive trauma".

Six others suffered non-life threatening injuries but did suffer from "a traumatic sound event to their ears from a loud boom" according to fire officials.

Sixteen total were evaluated at the scene.

Crews are still working to determine what exploded. They will be at the plant through the night investigating.

Stay tuned to ABC15 News, abc15.com and ABC15 Mobile for updates.

1 U.S. marine killed, 18 injured in vehicle rollover at Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California





SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) 


One Marine has been killed and 18 others were injured in a rollover crash during routine training at Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

First Lt. Colleen McFadden says the rollover happened Thursday afternoon.

McFadden says the Marine was from the 1st Marine Division, and the person's name will not be released until 24 hours after relatives are notified.

Other details including the type of vehicle and the extent of the injuries were not immediately released.

McFadden says "we want to ensure the Marines and their family members are being provided for during this difficult time."

Camp Pendleton, a vast seaside base north of San Diego, is the major West Coast outpost for the U.S. Marine Corps.

In November 2013, four Marines were killed there while clearing explosives in a training area.

A Mooney M20TN Acclaim plane crashes into ocean off Atlantic City coast

A Mooney M20TN Acclaim plane

Anthony Johnson has the latest
A single-engine plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey Thursday, and the Coast Guard was searching for it with boat and helicopter crews.

The Mooney M20 departed from Gaylord, Michigan, earlier Thursday and was headed to Atlantic City International Airport when it crashed into the ocean around 2:45 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said.

No details were immediately available on the condition of anyone aboard the plane.

Flight tracking software shows the plane traveling past the airport at around 20,000 feet. It began quickly descending, going from a drop rate of 1,113 feet per minute to 5,438 feet per minute over the course of two minutes while heading east and out to sea, according to the data.

Ryan Jorgenson, a data analyst with FlightAware, called that descent rate "not normal." 


Date:10-SEP-2015
Time:14:45
Type:Silhouette image of generic M20T model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Mooney M20TN Acclaim
Owner/operator:Private
Registration: N370MM
C/n / msn: 31-0071
Fatalities:Fatalities: / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:0
Airplane damage: Aircraft missing
Location:Atlantic Ocean SE of Atlantic City, NJ -   United States of America
Phase: En route
Nature:Unknown
Departure airport:Gaylord Rgnl (KGLR)
Destination airport:Atlantic City Intl (KACY)
Narrative:
The aircraft is reported missing over the Atlantic Ocean offshore southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. A debris field has been located. Occupants/injuries unreported.
Sources

http://aviationsafety.com
http://6abc.com/news/faa-investigating-plane-crash-near-atlantic-city/977785/
http://www.njherald.com/story/30003279/faa-single-engine-plane-crashes-into-atlantic-ocean
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N370MM/history/20150910/1600Z/KGLR/KACY
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=370MM


Aircraft Registration (N370MM)

Aircraft Summary
Summary Owner Airworthiness Serial Number
2007 MOONEY AIRPLANE CO INC M20TN
Fixed wing single engine
(4 seats / 1 engine)
MOIR MICHAEL
GAYLORD, MI
(Individual)
Standard/Normal 31-0071
Engine Weight Speed Mode S Code
CONT MOTOR TSIO-550-G
Horsepower: 280 (Reciprocating)
Less than 12,500lbs Not defined 51032352 / A434EA


Registration Details
Status Certificate Issue Date Airworthiness Date Last Action Date Expiration
Assigned 2008-12-04 2007-11-30 2013-02-07 2016-02-28


Registration History
Date Owner Location
05-Dec-2008 MOIR MICHAEL GAYLORD MI

A construction worker was killed when a dump truck he was standing behind backed into him in Florida



Construction worker killed overnight on Veteran’s Expressway

By Adrienne Pedersen 


Published: September 10, 2015


TAMPA, FL (WFLA) – 


The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a dump truck driver hit and killed a construction worker on the Veteran’s Expressway late Wednesday night.

According to FHP, Ruben Garcia, 20, was driving the truck and Rocio Gascon, 18, was the passenger. The workers were doing pavement work northbound on SR-589 just north of Hillsborough Avenue around 11:20 p.m.. The dump truck backed southbound in the northbound lane and hit and killed 26-year-old Kimbrough Haines III of Tampa, who was standing behind the truck as it was backing. He became stuck under the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Haines worked for Lane Construction. Lauralee Heckman, the Communications Manager for the company, gave News Channel 8 this statement: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.”

When asked about safety precautions for the company employees, Heckman responded, “This is an ongoing investigation and I can’t comment that at this time.”

News Channel 8 will keep you updated as to whether the truck driver will face charges.



//--------------------------//////////////////
Construction worker dies after dump truck backs into him

Times staff

Thursday, September 10, 2015 12:17pm



TAMPA, FLORIDA


A construction worker was killed late Wednesday night when a dump truck he was standing behind backed into him, Florida Highway Patrol troopers reported
Kimbrough W. Haines III, 26, was working with a crew at 11:23 p.m. in the northbound lane on the Veterans Expressway, north of Hillsborough Avenue, when he was struck. The crew was conducting pavement work.
Haines, of Tampa, died at the scene. 

Ruben Borrego Garcia, 20, of Tampa, was driving the dump truck, troopers reported, and 18-year-old Rocio Gascon was in the passenger seat.
The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

 ///////////////-----------------------///////////

HOW TO PREVENT VEHICLE BACKOVER INJURIES AND DEATHS

MARCH 30, 2015

Backing vehicles and equipment are a serious occupational hazard. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, of the 443 struck-by fatalities at road construction sites between 2003 and 2010, 143 cases involved a vehicle or mobile equipment backing up.

To help prevent backover injuries and deaths, NIOSH recommends a number of standard operating procedures:

· Create and enforce an operating procedure that addresses how to work safely and lists best practices to follow when working near vehicles and other equipment.
· Establish safety procedures for working at night with backing equipment. Ensure high-visibility apparel is worn.
· Take precautions. Use equipment that creates minimal blind spots or has proximity warning devices.
· Before work begins, design the worksites to minimize or eliminate the need for backing vehicles and equipment.
· Hire a competent person to supervise worksites involving backing vehicles and equipment.
· Be sure drivers know not to back up equipment unless they are under the direction of a spotter.
· Use barrels, barricades, cones or reflective devices to guide vehicles and equipment away from workers.
· Post signs informing workers where it is safe to walk.


NIOSH states that before work begins, vehicle and equipment operators need to inspect their machinery for any issues. Ensure everything, including mirrors and windows, is clear and in good working order. If something is found to be defective, remove the vehicle or equipment from service until repairs are made.


When operating equipment, know its blind spots. If you lose contact with your spotter for any reason, immediately stop work.

NIOSH also notes that clear communication is key. “At the start of each shift, review communications signals (verbal, hand signals, flags) between spotters, machine operators, truck drivers, and workers on foot,” the agency states.
For workers on foot near backing vehicles or equipment, NIOSH recommends employees adhere to the following:

· Wear appropriate high-visibility personal protective equipment.
· Know the blind spots of vehicles and equipment you work near.
· Never approach a piece of equipment or vehicle without a clear signal of acknowledgment from the operator.
· Avoid areas where vehicles and equipment travel.
· Stay alert for the sound of reversing alarms.
· Avoid complacency. Always know your surroundings.



FATAL BACKOVER WORKER ALERT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES


It is always very sad to see a young man working for a living in the cold weather to die at a construction site. Please read this safety alert and ensure that your staff implements the recommendations.
On February 15, 2014, a 26 year old male employee working as a “Swamper” (driver apprentice) for an oil field trucking company, was fatally injured when he was backed over by a co-worker operating a gas engine, 1-ton dually, welding truck. The welding truck was in the process of relocating past winch truck operations on the well site at the time of the incident.
The company was in preparation for a “rig up stage” at a new well drill site. Just prior to the incident, the welding truck driver and the winch truck employees of the same company met and discussed the planned work. All three employees were aware the welding truck would be required to back up from where it was located, and drive past the swamper and winch truck driver’s location.

The Swamper was assisting the winch truck driver in the relocation of mud and water tanks. After the previous meeting, the winch truck driver returned to his truck, and the Swamper assisted in horizontal rigging of the tank to winch equipment. The welder returned to his truck to move it.
At the time of the accident the welding truck driver was operating a truck without benefit of back- up alarm or spotter. As the welding truck driver backed his vehicle up to the new location, the swamper positioned himself along the storage tank being winched. The swamper stepped backward into the path of the welding truck, the welding truck passed completely over the victim.

The decedent died of his injuries at the scene.
Cause and Significant Contributing Factors:
· The welding truck driver arrived on site after the morning job safety analysis (JSA) and tailgate safety meeting.
· All three workers failed to identify the hazards present on location.
· There were four different diesel engines running in the area of the incident, creating significant background noise. The diesel engine noise and winds diminished the victim’s ability to hear the much quieter gasoline engine of the welding truck.
· The victim was wearing a hooded sweatshirt under FRC coveralls, which created limited peripheral vision.
· The victim inadvertently positioned himself in the path of the welding truck to avoid hazards associated with the winching operation he was assisting with.
· The victim had his back to the driver; the driver had his back to the victim.
· The driver of the welding truck could not see directly to the rear due to truck design, obstructed view created by the welding equipment and the driver did not ask for a spotter to assist.
· The gas engine welding truck was never equipped with a back-up alarm.
· The victim did not offer to be a spotter, and the winch truck driver did not offer to be a spotter.
· The trucking company did have a vehicle inspection form, but it was used inconsistently.
· The inspection form did not have a vehicle specific format, or a back-up alarm check.
· The winch truck driver was likely in transition of view; he was shifting from left side mirror to right side mirror and rear window view of winch process.


Recommendations:
· Brief all employees on the facts and circumstances of this fatal incident.
· In accordance with OSHA Construction Standards, properly equip motor vehicles used in construction environments with audible devices that may be heard over other sounds when being backed-up.
· Revisit safety programs and JSA information to ensure they are applicable to OSHA standards necessary for the work to be performed.
· Use a spotter when backing equipment near other personnel as required.
· Utilize high visibility outer garments.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
· Avoid wearing clothing or hooded garments which limit your field of view.
· Use of approved FRC helmet liners is preferred, as they turn with your head.
· Ensure that pre-tour safety meetings are conducted to discuss the work to be performed, identifying the potential safety hazards and implementing safe work procedures to control hazards.
· Ensure the safety meeting information is provided to all employees.


Preventing Backovers

A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70 workers died from backover incidents in 2011. These kinds of incidents can occur in different ways. For example:


On June 18, 2009, an employee was working inside a work zone wearing his reflective safety vest. A dump truck operating in the work zone backed up and struck the employee with the rear passenger side wheels. The employee was killed. The dump truck had an audible back up alarm and operating lights. (OSHA Inspection Number 313225377)

On June 9, 2010, an employee was standing on the ground in front of a loading dock facing into the building while a tractor trailer was backing into the same dock. The trailer crushed the employee between the trailer and the dock. (OSHA Inspection Number 314460940)

The purpose of this webpage is to provide information about the hazards of backovers; solutions that can reduce the risk or frequency of these incidents; articles and resources; and references to existing regulations and letters of interpretation.


How do backover incidents occur?

Backover accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Drivers may not be able to see a worker in their blind spot. Workers may not hear backup alarms because of other worksite noises or because the alarms are not functioning. A spotter assisting one truck may not see another truck behind him. Workers riding on vehicles may fall off and get backed over. Drivers may assume that the area is clear and not look in the direction of travel (PDF*). Sometimes, it is unclear why a worker was in the path of a backing vehicle. A combination of factors can also lead to backover incidents.


What can be done to prevent backover incidents?

Many solutions exist to prevent backover incidents. Drivers can use a spotter to help them back up their vehicles. Video cameras with in-vehicle display monitors can give drivers a view of what is behind them. Proximity detection devices, such as radar and sonar, can alert drivers to objects that are behind them. Tag-based systems can inform drivers when other employees are behind the vehicle and can alert employees when they walk near a vehicle equipped to communicate with the tag worn by the employee. On some work sites, employers can create internal traffic control plans, which tell the drivers where to drive and can reduce the need to back up. In some cases, internal traffic control plans can also be used to separate employees on foot from operating equipment.

Training is another tool to prevent backover incidents. Blind spots behind and around vehicles are not immediately obvious to employees on foot. By training employees on where those blind spots are and how to avoid being in them, employers can prevent some backover incidents. One component of this training can include putting employees who will be working around vehicles in the driver’s seat to get a feel for where the blind spots are and what, exactly, the drivers can see. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) several blind spot diagrams that can help explain what drivers of various large trucks can see.

Vehicles Causing the Most Backover Fatalities 2005-2010+

Dump Truck
67 

Semi/Tractor Trailer
40 

Truck
30 

Forklift
21 

Garbage Truck
20 

Pick-up Truck
16



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OSHA Opens Investigation at Heritage Thermal in Ohio After Worker Exposure to Alaline










By WKBN Staff 


Published: September 9, 2015

 
 

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) – 


The Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into Heritage Thermal.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the incident occurred on August 26.

A worker was reportedly exposed to waste containing alaline and was sent to the hospital and released.

Analine is a poisonous, oily liquid that can cause problems through skin contact or if someone breathes it in. Heritage Thermal is an environmental services firm dealing with incineration.

41 evacuated after xylene/nitrogen Hazmat spill at Boeing building in Renton, Washington



Firefighters prepare to enter a Boeing building in which a Hazmat alarm sounded Thursday morning.
— image credit: Brian Beckley, Renton Reporter

by BRIAN BECKLEY, Renton Reporter Editor
Today at 11:16AM

RENTON, WA


A hazmat alarm inside a Boeing building in south Renton's industrial area has led to the evacuation of a building and the closure of part of Lind Avenue Southwest.

According to Todd Kelley, communications specialist for Boeing security and fire, an internal hazmat alarm sounded Thursday morning at a "laboratory facility." A total of 41 employees were evacuated, though none required medical attention or were transported to a hospital.

Kelley called the evacuation "precautionary" and a "Standard response for these kind of incidents."

The Renton Fire Department, as well as many other departments from around King County were on the scene and a team entered the building just after 11 a.m.

Kelley said the plan would be for firefighters to secure the building in concentric circles, working their way toward the source of the leak.

According to Renton Depoty Chief Erik Wallgren, the spill was a xylene/nitrogen mixture and was contained inside the building with no danger to the surrounding area.

Kelley said the length of the response was unknown at this time and that roads would remain closed in the area until the incident was cleared.