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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 100513050 - Howmet Corporation - Dover Casting Division
Inspection Information - Office: Parsippany Area Office
Site Address:
Howmet Corporation - Dover Casting Division
10 Ray Street
Dover, NJ 07801
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 625, Dover, NJ 07801
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:3369
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Referral
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: Y
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 04/05/1988
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 03/07/1989
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral | 901052605 | Yes |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $10,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,000 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Willful | 5A0001 | 07/22/1988 | 07/25/1988 | $1,000 | $10,000 | $0 | 08/08/1988 | R - Review Commission |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 5:50 p.m. on March 25, 1988, the leacher autoclave (#2) in building #1, which had been in service for about three weeks, reached a temperature of about 490 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of 400 psi. At this point the single locking (locating) pin sheared (the second pin was missing) allowing the cover to rotate against the locking ring, which was not fully engaged. The cover was released with explosive force, tearing a large hole in the roof and rupturing a 2 in. high-pressure gas line. As the head fell, a second hole was made in the roof about 25 yards northwest of the original location. Approximately 120 gallons of 28 percent sodium hydroxide solution was instantly vaporized into a cloud of caustic fumes that drifted over the area, causing eye, lung, and throat irritation to approximately 25 people, including the police who responded to the emergency. Employees #1 through #12 required medical attention. The gas line was promptly shut off by plant maintenance personnel who responded to the explosion. This action prevented further serious fire and explosion damage and possible loss of life.
Keywords: SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CAUSTIC, INADEQUATE MAINT, UNSECURED, WORK RULES, RUPTURE, EXPLOSION, HIGH PRESSURE, GAS LEAK, HIGH TEMPERATURE
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Cut/Laceration | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 3 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Strain/Sprain | Occupation not reported | ||
| 4 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 5 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 6 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Cut/Laceration | Occupation not reported | ||
| 7 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 8 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 9 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 10 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 11 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 12 | 100513050 | Non Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported |