A subcontractor received second-degree burns on 60% of his body while performing maintenance on a hot-water pipe at a Seveso-classified tyre plant.

The subcontractor was in the process of retightening the bolts on a pipe flange. A technician, thinking that the subcontractor was finished, removed the padlock and opened the valve, allowing 80 °C pressurised water to shoot out upstream.

The accident was caused by inappropriate returning to service of the valve (it was opened although the nuts hand not yet been tightened) due to poor communication with the company’s employees. The inspection authorities for classified facilities asked the operator to provide a report listing the causes of the accident and the recommended corrective measures to prevent it recurring.