An explosion at a factory has left two workers injured in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The incident occurred yesterday when a newly bought cutting tool malfunctioned. The device had been in use for only a few hours when it exploded, severely injuring the employees. The factory specialises in recycling old car air conditioners.

 

The explosion happened around 5.30pm yesterday in the factory inside Soi Bang Pla 20 in Bang Pla Subdistrict, Bang Phli District. The two injured workers were found amid the wreckage, one severely injured with lacerations across his face and body, while the other had fragments embedded under his right eye and forehead but was still conscious.

 

Upon inspection, it was discovered that the factory was a single storey building. Despite the explosion, the structure remained intact. The emergency services from Ramathibodi Samut Prakan Hospital and the local fire department quickly attended to the scene, providing first aid before rushing the victims to Chunlathorn 3 Hospital.

 

One of the injured workers, 50 year old Pibul Chareonsuk, provided a harrowing account of the incident.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Photo via Khaosod

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/factory-explosion-in-samut-prakan-leaves-two-workers-injured-due-to-faulty-cutting-tool

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-15

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

From the link:

Another injured worker, Natthakit Thanompatt, mentioned that he had just bought the tool yesterday afternoon. He had been using similar tools for regular cutting operations and had not encountered any problems until this incident. He suspected that the explosion was caused by the cutter blade shattering while in operation, which induced a secondary explosion in the electric motor. The blast wounded him with fragments from the shattered blade and hot sparks from the explosion.

 

Mis-use seems to be the issue.

9 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

From the link:

Another injured worker, Natthakit Thanompatt, mentioned that he had just bought the tool yesterday afternoon. He had been using similar tools for regular cutting operations and had not encountered any problems until this incident. He suspected that the explosion was caused by the cutter blade shattering while in operation, which induced a secondary explosion in the electric motor. The blast wounded him with fragments from the shattered blade and hot sparks from the explosion.

 

Mis-use seems to be the issue.

Cutting up car aircon parts.

 

If they were alloy that is a big No No with a abrasive cut off saw as the alloy melts into the fibre blade until the point..... it explodes.

 

So yes, Mis-use.

 

For alloy I use a Makita Metal cut saw (LC1230) with a carbide tipped blade.

Edited August 15, 20232 yr by Ralf001

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The two injured workers were found amid the wreckage, one severely injured with lacerations across his face and body, while the other had fragments embedded under his right eye and forehead but was still conscious.

Anyone wearing safety glasses or other headgear?

Never use carbon blades or wheels when cutting aluminum, I was told that some 50+ years ago. education is a marvelous thing.

28 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

Never use carbon blades or wheels when cutting aluminum, I was told that some 50+ years ago. education is a marvelous thing.

Carbide.

2 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Carbide.

 Made using carbon as one of the ingrediants, just saying 

TCT Blades are the GO for ally.

5 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Anyone wearing safety glasses or other headgear?

What a ridiculous question. The factory was displaying a Green Cross Safety First sign so no need for personal safety equipment.

(Note, this is intentionally sarcastic)

From the linked report:

 .........induced a secondary explosion in the electric motor........

 

The photograph shows the motor intact.????

 

For an electrical tool being used in an industrial setting the flimsy electrical flex indicates a cheap low quality tool.

Nice pic

"The emergency services from Ramathibodi Samut Prakan Hospital and the local fire department quickly attended to the scene"

Of course on flip flops ! Why you would expect a worker to use safety goggles or face cover?

As said , motor in tact but you see blade shattered.

The employer will hand out 1000 baht as compensation ?

7 hours ago, brianthainess said:

 Made using carbon as one of the ingrediants, just saying 

So are babies, just saying. And btw, ingredients.