Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 14523880 - EMPLOYEES OVERCOME BY BLAST FURNACE GAS

Accident Summary Nr: 14523880 -- Report ID: 0522500 -- Event Date: 04/03/1984
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
1659499	04/06/1984	3443	0	Monroe Incorporated
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
1659473	04/04/1984	3312	0	Wheeling Pittsburg Steel Corporation North Facili
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
1659481	04/12/1984	1741	0	Chiz Bros Inc

Abstract: A CONTRACTOR AND SUBCONTRACTOR WORKING IN THE NUMBER ONE BOILER HOUSE WERE AT THE WEST END OF THE BUILDING. THE WATER IN THE DRIP LEG RESERVOIR FOR THE FIVE FOOT BLAST FURNACE MAIN BECAME LOW. THE WATER LEVEL FELL TO WITHIN 34 INCHES OF THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIP LEG. SINCE THE GAS PRESSURE WITHIN THE MAIN IS AT 34 INCHES OF WATER, THE GAS BEGAN TO BLOW OUT THE 14 INCH DRIP LEG FROM THE FIVE FOOT DIAMETER GAS MAIN. THE DRIP LEG IS LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NUMBER ONE BOILER HOUSE. THE WATER LINE TO THE RESERVOIR WAS EITHER TURNED OFF OR THE VALVE WAS PLUGGED. EMPLOYEES AT ALL LEVELS OF THE WESTERN 1/3 OF THE BOILER HOUSE WERE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE. MANY PASSED OUT. MANY RESCUERS UNEQUIPPED WITH RESPIRATORS PASSED OUT ALSO. ALL AFFECTED EMOLOYEES WERE HOSPITALIZED. THE EMPLOYEES WERE NOT TRAINED IN THE USE OF RESPIRATORS OR IN GAS RESCUE PROCEDURES.

Keywords: UNCONSCIOUSNESS, PPE, INHALATION, CARBON MONOXIDE, RESPIRATOR, BLAST FURNACE, GAS LEAK

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	1659499	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
2	1659499	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
3	1659499	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
4	1659473			Occupation Not Listed
5	1659481			Occupation Not Listed

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