On January 31, 2009, Rodney R. Ballesteros, Sr., hydro-blasting technician, age 40, was fatally injured when he was struck by water from a high pressure hose. He was hydro-blasting the inside of a 30-inch diameter pipe when the hose end and attachments (stinger and nozzle) inadvertently turned and exited the pipe.
Fatality #3 - January 31, 2009
Accident Classification: Machinery
Location: Sherwin Alumina, L.P., Texas
Mine Controller: Sherwin Alumina LLC
Mine Type: Facility
Mined Material: Alumina
Incident Date/Time: January 31, 2009 03:53 pm
FATALITY ALERT
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On January 31, 2009, a 40 year-old contractor technician with 36 weeks of experience was fatally injured at an alumina milling operation. He was cleaning hydrate that had built up inside a 30-inch pipe in the plant. The victim was using a high pressure water hose when the unrestrained hose end and attachment blew out of the pipe. He was struck by the water.
FINAL REPORT
MAI-2009- 03
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION
Surface Metal Mine
(Alumina)
Fatal Machinery Accident
January 31, 2009