Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 14473672 - EMPLOYEES KILLED AFTER INHALING SUPERHEATED VAPORS

Accident Summary Nr: 14473672 -- Report ID: 0521400 -- Event Date: 09/12/1989
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
103201125	09/12/1989	2821	0	Quantum Chemical Company
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
103359725	09/12/1989	1711	0	Morrison Construction Company, Incorporated
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
103201125	09/12/1989	2821	0	Quantum Chemical Company
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
103359725	09/12/1989	1711	0	Morrison Construction Company, Incorporated

Abstract: Employees responded to a flammable gas or vapor leak during start up of an ethylene unit. The leak was isolated and by-passed. Liquid ethylene carried over from the "refluxdrom" into piping and a heat exchange. The depressurization and low temperature caused a brittlement of the exchanger. When a normal pressure was established the heat exchanger ruptured and sprayed liquid ethylene vapor, which immediately ignited. Two of the employees died due to internal injuries. The others received burns on most of their bodies. A citation was issued for deficient start up production operation. Another was issued for a deficient pressure vessel and power piping inspection and maintenance program. The third citation was issued for control room ventilation problems.

Keywords: BURN, VAPOR, GAS, EXPLOSION, PRESSURE RELEASE

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	103201125	Fatality	Other	Occupation not reported
2	103359725	Fatality	Other	Occupation not reported
3	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
4	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
5	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
6	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
7	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
8	103201125	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
9	103359725	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported
10	103359725	Hospitalized injury	Burn/Scald(Heat)	Occupation not reported

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