During the unloading phase of a single bed reactor, vessel entry was being performed via the bottom side man-way. The top man-way was designated for emergency evacuation or rescue operation, vacuum hose, ladder & lighting installation. Prior to the bottom side man-way being opened, catalyst removal had been being made through the top, by vacuum and until the catalyst bed level was too difficult to reach without entry
The entrant was vacuuming the catalyst bed when the wall of catalyst behind him collapsed. He was in a kneeling posture when the wall of catalyst, measuring approximately 150 – 180 cm high and 13cm thick, collapsed. As he was in a kneeling posture at the time, the entrant was buried from the waist down. He was eventually retrieved from the reactor bottom by aid of a fall arrestor winch. The entrant sustained burns to upper and lower areas of his legs, due to the heat from the collapsed catalyst.
Immediately after the rescue was completed, the entrant was not in any pain and unaware of having sustained any injury. He was however transported to the hospital for a medical assessment, during which it was discovered that he did require treatment. He sustained 1st degree burns to 10% of his upper legs & a 2nd degree burn at the right leg calf muscle & shin. He was discharged from the hospital the same day.