# Fractures at NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
> OSHA SIR `2016076532` · 7/19/2016 · EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Hand(s), unspecified
- **Nature of injury:** Fractures
## Cause
- **Event:** Explosion of pressure vessel, piping, or tire
- **Source:** Cooling and humidifying machinery and appliances, n.e.c.
- **Secondary source:** Oxygen and oxygen compounds, n.e.c.
## Employer
- **Name:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Location:** Hogan Biological Services Bldg, Room 300A Mechanical Room, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, 60208
- **NAICS:** 611310
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was servicing a chilled water line by cleaning the line with hydrogen peroxide. There was a combustible reaction and the pressure blew the lid off the stream filter housing unit. The lid struck the employee on the right hand that was being used to protect his face, causing multiple hand fractures requiring surgery. Minor burns were also incurred on the right hand/arm.

---
*Source: [OSHA Severe Injury Reports](https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*