Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 170006779 - Three employees burned in chemical reaction and explosion
Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
115174500 | 06/29/1998 | 3675 | 0 | Johnson Matthey Investments Inc Dba Johnson Matthe |
Abstract: At 5:00 p.m. on June 27, 1998, Employee #1, age 20, was assigned to read the chemical levels in two nickel plating dip tanks to determine if any needed to be replenished. He was transferring chemicals from the bulk chemical storage containers to the dip tanks when he poured Electro-Brite Cobra Etch--containing hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizing agent--into a partially filled jug that contained residues of sulfuric acid, a strong corrosive. A violent reaction involving heat and pressure resulted, and Employees #1 through #3 suffered various degrees of chemical burns to the face and body. Employee #1 had mistakenly interpreted that the ingredients for the two chemicals he was replenishing were of the same sulfuric acid composition and thus appropriate to mix.
Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 115174500 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
2 | 115174500 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
3 | 115174500 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported |