Water Heater Safety

Yesterday was the 39th anniversary of the January 19, 1982 explosion at the Star Elementary School in Spencer, Oklahoma. Shortly after noon that day, an 80-gallon water heater exploded and destroyed the concrete wall that separated the kitchen from the lunchroom. Six children and a teacher were killed by the blast. More than 30 students and adults were injured. Root causes of the explosion included improper maintenance practices and defective replacement parts.

(Reference: https://oklahoman.com/article/2779122/star-elementary-20-years-later-heater-explosion-still-haunts-spencer )

This video of the event was produced by the Arkansas Department of Labor Boiler Inspection Division: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKYx3ayvDME

Please consider sharing this information with your coworkers and contractors (link provided below). It may help prevent another tragedy.

https://www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?pageID=164&ID=247

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