Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 170197164 - Employees exposed to chemical fumes when relief valve fails

Accident Summary Nr: 170197164 -- Report ID: 0950622 -- Event Date: 05/05/1991
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
111750527	05/06/1991	1799	0	Performance Mechanical, Inc.(Pmi)
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
111750626	05/06/1991	1799	0	Aspen
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
111750535	05/06/1991	2812	0	Dow Chemical
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
111750568	05/03/1991	2875	0	Dow Chemical

Abstract: Employees #1 and #2, hired by one of the subcontractors on the PSA project at Dow Chemical, were working in the Sym-Tet chlorine plant. They were approximately 50 ft from the T-104 tank, which held carbon tetrachloride, hydrochloric acid, and chlorine. The T-104 tank was pressurized over the 75 lb limit of the PSV valve, which was designed to discharge into the work area. Employees #1 and #2 were exposed to carbon tetrachloride and chlorine. The chlorine exposure caused serious injuries, and the exposure to carbon tetrachloride was acute without any chronic effects. Dow Chemical was cited for inappropriate design and an inadequate alarm system. The subcontractors were cited for allowing employees to work around the PSV valve without respirators.

Keywords: CHLORINE, TOXIC FUMES, SAFETY RELIEF VALVE, PRESSURE RELEASE, WORK RULES, INHALATION, RESPIRATOR, CONSTRUCTION, HIGH PRESSURE, CHEMICAL VAPOR

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	111750527	Hospitalized injury	Other	Occupation not reported
2	111750626	Hospitalized injury	Other	Occupation not reported
3	111750535			Occupation Not Listed
4	111750568			Occupation Not Listed

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