Document evQ0ZJRR94OJ5OQdpmxaQpY2y

cc: C. L. Gilmore R. W. Rotzler W. H. Slager G. D. Rucker J. G. McQuarrie E. H. Jones R. L. Browning W. R. Nisbet W. F. Zimmermann .tH. M. Keating A. E. Withrow / N. F. Wood S. L. Hunter J. J. Hickey MONSANTO CHEMICAL COMPANY TEXAS CITY, TEXAS December 18, 1959 TO: Mr. J. S. Putnam SUBJECT: Investigation of a Near-Miss Incident in Which a Snatch-Block fell from the 11th Floor of Dept. 5-7 Structure to the Ground Floor SUMMARY: On December 15* 1959* at approximately 0945* contract boilermakers performing maintenance work, dropped a snatch-block from the eleventh floor of Department 5-7 (approximately 176 feet) to the ground floor. No injuries to personnel, or damage to equipment, resulted. INVESTIGATION: Investigation of this incident showed that four (4) boilermakers were in the process of shifting a snatch-block, which contained the cable, from an air tugger, on an "I" beam located below the catwalk of the eleventh floor in the Dept. 5-7 structure. Two men were straddled on the "I" beam with the remaining two men on the floor below assisting. The method used in relocating this block was to take hold of the tugger cable, which was threaded through the block. This unfastened the snatch-block hook from the sling on the "I" beam. When the boilermaker lifted the snatch-block from the sling, the block tilted, causing the side cover to open. The block then fell free from the cable and dropped to the ground. The tugger cable remained in the boilermaker's hand. Fortunately, no personnel were in the vicinity where .this 15# snatch-block struck the ground. COMMENTS: 1. The method employed in shifting the snatch-block was Improper. Due to wind conditions the men performing the Job were some what off balance and could not perform the Job properly by straddling the "I" beam. SC 16648 LAM023917 Investigation of Near-Miss Incident Page 2. COMMENTS: (C ontinued) 2. A safety line was not used to tie off the snatch-block before attempting to move It. 3. The boilermaker's personal safety was Impaired due to the absence of safety belts. ACTION TAKEN: 1. When fastening, removing, or shifting rigging equipment, such as chain falls, snatch-blocks or any heavy object at elevated locations, safety lines are to be attached and anchored at a suitable location. 2. Safety belts are to be worn by all personnel when working at precarious locations. 3. The foremen have been instructed to give specific instructions to their men whenever rigging is necessary. Only qualified rigging men are to be used. 4. A safety meeting, using this incident as a topic, has been held with the contract personnel. Monsanto safety policies were re emphasized at this meeting. GAG:vhk 16649 LAM023918