PROVIDENCE, R.I. --
A worker was seriously injured Tuesday when a fuel tank exploded at the metals recycling building of Aluminum & Copper Recycling Inc. on Waldo and Salem Streets in Providence, RI.
Providence Battalion Fire Chief Richard DeLisi said the individual was cutting scrap metal next to a fuel tank when the vapors ignited and sparked an explosion. The incident happened around 1:15 p.m.
DeLisi, who did not have the person’s name, said the employee received second and third degree burns on his legs, back and the side of his face.
No one else was injured and there was no damage to the building.
Cutting the old fuel tank (called "hot work") is very dangerous and requires the evacuation of all vapors from the tank. People are injured every year by failing to evacuate the tank prior to cutting it.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A worker was rushed to the hospital with third-degree burns to his face and legs following an explosion at a scrap metal recycling center on Salem Street in Providence.
According to fire officials on scene, a scrap fuel tank ignited while the worker was cutting into it.
The worker’s injuries are considered very serious, but not life-threatening, officials said.
Providence police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the incident.