Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 594457 - Employees exposed to accidental propane release

Accident Summary Nr: 594457 -- Report ID: 0419400 -- Event Date: 10/12/1990
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
101398006	10/12/1990	2399	0	Trw

Abstract: Employees were doing their regular jobs manufacturing seat belts when an industrial truck driver attempted to change the propane tank on his propane-fueled forklift. He apparently failed to tighten the filling or got it cross-threaded because when he opened the valve to the tank, 1 lb of propane was released. With the visible cloud and the smell of the odorizer in the propane, several employees became ill and felt faint. The plant was evacuated and more employees exhibited symptoms. About 80 to 90 employees ultimately went to the hospital. Employees #1 through #7 were kept overnight for observation and released the next day. Medical evaluations were unable to find any organic or medical reasons for the symptoms; blood gas analyses were all normal.

Keywords: MAINTENANCE, INHALATION, NAUSEA, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, PROPANE, OVEREXPOSURE, ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
2	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
3	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
4	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
5	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
6	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported
7	101398006	Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported

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