# Third or fourth degree heat (thermal) burns at Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
> OSHA SIR `2016054017` · 5/10/2016 · VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Upper and lower limb(s)
- **Nature of injury:** Third or fourth degree heat (thermal) burns
## Cause
- **Event:** Contact with hot objects or substances
- **Source:** Paving asphalt, asphaltic cement
- **Secondary source:** Tanks, bins, vats-nonconfined space
## Employer
- **Name:** Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
- **Location:** 2611 Haining Road, VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, 39183
- **NAICS:** 324121
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

At 9:00 AM, on 5/10/16, an employee and a coworker were preparing to replace a malfunctioning gauge board on an asphalt tank. They transferred contents from the malfunctioning tank to another tank and shut down the malfunctioning tank. Every energy source was off/locked out. Using an impact wrench, the employee began loosening/removing the bolts holding the manway cover on the tank. After he loosened several bolts, some hot liquid asphalt splashed out from behind the cover onto the concrete pad and onto his hands, arms, and legs. He suffered second and third degree burns to both arms, hands, and legs, requiring hospitalization and surgery.

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