# Second degree heat (thermal) burns at U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
> OSHA SIR `2019087952` · 8/3/2019 · DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Hand(s) and arm(s), unspecified
- **Nature of injury:** Second degree heat (thermal) burns
## Cause
- **Event:** Contact with hot objects or substances
- **Source:** Steam, vapors-nonchemical
## Employer
- **Name:** U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- **Location:** 508 Fulton Street, DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, 27705
- **NAICS:** 622110
- **Jurisdiction:** 0
## Narrative

Three HVAC mechanics were trying to stop a water drip from a steam line. They isolated the line upstream and downstream from the location of the leak. One of the employees cracked open a pipe union to drain the condensate from the line. Steam began to release from the pipe union unexpectedly, causing second-degree burns to his right hand and arm. He was hospitalized.

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