At approximately 11:00 AM on 4/5/05 an employee was tearing down a 7 1/16¿ 5k wedge gate valve returned from field rental service. While removing the bottom grease fitting using a 12¿ adjustable wrench, the fitting was blown out of the valve due to trapped pressure. When the pressure was released from the valve the employee received a large pressure cut on his right forearm.

He made his way from the scene of the incident to the large shop where he received First Aid. An ambulance was called and the employee was transported to the Oklahoma University trauma center. Initial medical evaluation determined muscle, tendon and nerve damage to the right forearm. The employee will require surgery and physical therapy. The incident will be considered recordable and lost time.