News Summary
Two workers suffered serious burns during a maintenance incident at a Dunkin’ restaurant in Newburyport. An electrical short caused a flash fire while they were servicing an HVAC unit. One worker sustained second-degree burns, while the other suffered third-degree burns. Both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, emphasizing the safety risks associated with HVAC maintenance.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Two workers sustained serious burns during a maintenance incident at a Dunkin’ restaurant in Newburyport on Friday, just before 10 a.m. The incident occurred at the Dunkin’ located at 167 State St.
The workers were performing routine maintenance on an HVAC unit when the accident unfolded. An electrical short in the air compressor is believed to have caused a flash fire while they were making connections to test gas. One of the workers suffered second-degree burns to their face, chest, and hands, while the other sustained third-degree burns to their lower extremities.
Both individuals, whose names have not been released, were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries and transported to an area hospital by Cataldo Ambulance. Fortunately, the fire had already been extinguished by the time first responders arrived at the scene. There were no reports of damage to the Dunkin’ building.
Investigation Underway
The Newburyport Fire Department and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit are investigating the cause of the fire. Officials believe an arc ignited the refrigerant in the HVAC system, ultimately leading to the flash fire. In addition, the Newburyport Electrical Inspector and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were notified and responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
Response and Support Efforts
The incident prompted a response from multiple emergency services, including numerous fire and police vehicles, as well as personnel from National Grid. Their prompt action ensured that the situation was quickly managed and that the workers received the appropriate care.
Background on HVAC Maintenance Risks
HVAC maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. However, it can pose risks, including electrical hazards and the potential for flammable gases. The risks increase when technicians are required to make connections under high-pressure conditions or when dealing with refrigerants. In this case, the failure of a fitting during the testing process appears to have been a significant factor contributing to the incident.
The situation remains a developing story, with further updates expected as investigations continue. Authorities stress the importance of safety protocols and training for workers engaged in maintenance operations. Ensuring proper procedures and equipment handling can prevent similar incidents in the future.
As with many incidents involving workplace injuries, it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in various professions and highlights the importance of safety measures and emergency response preparedness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WHDH
- Wikipedia: HVAC
- WCVB
- Google Search: HVAC safety protocols
- Boston.com
- Google Scholar: workplace safety incidents
- NBC Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: fire prevention measures
- Boston 25 News
- Google News: newburyport dunkin fire
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