Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 14498158 - ONE EMPLOYEE KILLED, 2 INJURED WHEN REACTOR EXPLODED

Accident Summary Nr: 14498158 -- Report ID: 0626600 -- Event Date: 01/09/1988
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
102300654	01/12/1988	1741	0	Archem Co.

Abstract: EMPLOYEE #1 AND OTHER EMPLOYEE(S) HAD CHARGED REACTOR "B", A 2000 GALLON 304 STAINLESS STEEL PRESSURE VESSEL, WITH METHANOL, CAUSTIC, AND ORTHO-NITROCHLOROBENZENE. THE EMPLOYEES WERE PRESSURIZING THE REACTOR WITH NITROGEN WHEN A DETONATION OCCURRED. APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 MINUTES AFTER THE REACTOR HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH ALL THE RAW MATERIALS THE PRESSURE RELIEF SYSTEM RELEASED WITH EXPLOSIVE FORCE. EMPLOYEE #1 WAS KILLED, WHILE EMPLOYEES #2 & 3 WERE HOSPITALIZED WITH SERIOUS INJURIES.

Keywords: METHYL ALCOHOL, REACTOR, PRESSURE VESSEL, EXPLOSION, CHEMICAL REACTION, HIGH PRESSURE, STRUCK BY, PRESSURE RELEASE, CHEMICAL

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	102300654	Fatality	Other	Occupation not reported
2	102300654	Hospitalized injury	Fracture	Occupation not reported
3	102300654	Hospitalized injury	Burn(Chemical)	Occupation not reported

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