Two employees were working on an e-beam evaporator. While one of the employees was attempting to un-jam a rotating crucible holder at the rear of the machine, the employee experienced an electric shock. At the time, the e-beam source was stated to have been shut off and that the system was in 'process enable’ mode. The system was stated to have been pumped down and that the motor to rotate the holder was on attempting to rotate the holder. GTPD, EMS, and EH&S personnel were dispatched to the scene. The employee received third degree burns.

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Lockout/tagout" refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. This requires, in part, that a designated individual turns off and disconnects the machinery or equipment from its energy source(s) before performing service or maintenance and that the authorized employee(s) either lock or tag the energy-isolating device(s) to prevent the release of hazardous energy and take steps to verify that the energy has been isolated effectively. After ensuring that no personnel are exposed, and as a check on having disconnected the energy sources, operate the push button or other normal operating controls to make certain the equipment will not operate and remember to return the operating control(s) to neutral or off position after the test.

It is crucial that while working on energized equipment that all lockout tagout procedures are followed and that the equipment be locked and tagged out accordingly to de-energize the piece of equipment. Since the incident, several safety protocols have been put into place. There have also been modifications to the piece of machinery.