Local News in Brief : Valve at Lockheed Explodes; Man Hurt

A faulty pressure valve on a carbon-dioxide tank at the Lockheed plant in Burbank caused a small explosion Wednesday that slightly injured one worker and forced the temporary evacuation of a work area, officials said.

Lockheed spokesman Nick Durutta said the valve on the tank located outside one of the plant’s buildings exploded about 12:15 a.m. He said the worker, whose name was not disclosed, was slightly injured by the blast and suffered a temporary hearing loss. He was treated at the scene and sent home for the day.

Officials said employees working in the area were evacuated briefly while the carbon dioxide emptied from the 350-pound tank and dissipated.

Durutta said the carbon dioxide, used in pressure systems at the plant, was not poisonous or flammable. He said the workers were evacuated as a precaution.