# Thermal burns  second degree at Ascend Performance Materials, LLC
> OSHA SIR `2025010110` · 1/5/2025 · FOLEY, ALABAMA
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Head and neck
- **Nature of injury:** Thermal burns  second degree
## Cause
- **Event:** Flash fire
- **Source:** Chemicals, hazardous materials  n.e.c.
- **Secondary source:** Source, secondary source  unspecified
## Employer
- **Name:** Ascend Performance Materials, LLC
- **Location:** 518 South Bay St, FOLEY, ALABAMA, 36535
- **NAICS:** 325998
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was troubleshooting a compound extrusion line. As they opened a vent, fumes from the stearic acid additive ignited when exposed to air, causing a flash fire. Molten plastic in the line contacted their lower face and neck, resulting in first- and second-degree burns. A face shield was not used at the time of the incident.

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