# Second degree heat (thermal) burns at NPL Construction Company
> OSHA SIR `2017098441` · 9/1/2017 · TOPEKA, KANSAS
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Multiple face locations
- **Nature of injury:** Second degree heat (thermal) burns
## Cause
- **Event:** Ignition of vapors, gases, or liquids
- **Source:** Natural gas
- **Secondary source:** Hand grinders-powered
## Employer
- **Name:** NPL Construction Company
- **Location:** 4550 SE 29th St., TOPEKA, KANSAS, 66605
- **NAICS:** 237120
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was using a portable grinder with a wire brush wheel to clean a metallic natural gas pipe in preparation for welding. The flow of natural gas had been stopped with a metallic stopper pin. As the employee was using the grinder, the stopper pin became dislodged from a seated position, resulting in a brief ignition of the natural gas. The employee suffered first and second degree burns to the right side of his face and nose.

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