Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 14265102 - FREON 12 EXPOSURE IN FURNACE; DIED FROM PROBABLE LACK OF O2
Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
100446566 | 08/21/1985 | 3295 | 0 | Stackpole Fibers Company, Inc. |
Abstract: A MAINTENANCE MECHANIC WAS LOWERED BY HOIST INTO A 9 1/2 FT HIGH VACUUM BATCH FURNACE TO MAKE REPAIRS. THE FURNACE HAD BEEN PRESSURIZED WITH FREON 12 AND NITROGEN TO TEST FOR LEAKS. THE EMPLOYEE (#1) WAS WEARING A CARTRIDGE RESPIRATOR FOR ORGANIC VAPORS. ABOUT A MINUTE AFTER HE REACHED THE BOTTOM HE SIGNALLED TO THE MAINTENANCE FOREMAN TO BE LIFTED FROM THE FURNACE. HE COMPLAINED TO THE FOREMAN OF A BURNING IN HIS THROAT AND LUNGS WHEN HE BREATHED. THE FURNACE WAS THEN EXHAUST VENTILATED WITH A BLOWER. THE BLOWER HOSE, INSTEAD OF EXTENDING COMPLETELY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FURNACE, ONLY REACHED TO WITHIN 3 1/2 FEET OF THE BOTTOM. EMPLOYEE #1 REENTERED THE FURNACE TO INSPECT A HEAT SHIELD LOCATED 12 INCHES ABOVE THE BOTTOM. THE FOREMAN WENT TO GET A PIECE OF GRAPHITE WOOL. WHEN HE RETURNED, ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER, HE FOUND EMPLOYEE #1 UNCONSCIOUS IN THE FURNACE. THE FOREMAN YELLED FOR HELP. ANOTHER EMPLOYEE ENTERED THE FURNACE AND ASSISTED IN REMOVING EMPLOYEE #1. EMPLOYEE #1 WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD. ATMOSPHERIC TESTING IN THE FURNACE REVEALED THE FREON 12 LEVEL AS HIGH AS 16% AND THE OXYGEN LEVEL AS LOW AS 16%. THE CHARCOAL IN THE RESPIRATOR CARTRIDGE WAS ALSO SATURATED WITH FREON 12. THE AUTOPSY REPORT LISTED THE CAUSE OF DEATH AS ACUTE CARDIORESPIRATORY FAILURE DUE TO THE INHALATION OF FREON 12.
Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
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1 | 100446566 | Fatality | Asphyxia | Occupation not reported |