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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 100972637 - General Electric Co.
Inspection Information - Office: Springfield Area Office
Site Address:
General Electric Co.
1 Plastic Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:2821
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 04/14/1992
Planning Guide: Health-Manufacturing
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 10/13/1992
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 360319461 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 6 | 6 | ||||
| Current Violations | 6 | 6 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $20,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20,250 |
| Current Penalty | $20,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20,250 |
| 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 | Serious | 5A0001 | 05/19/1992 | 05/22/1992 | $4,500 | $4,500 | $0 | - | ||
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100106 H04 IVA | 05/19/1992 | 05/22/1992 | $4,500 | $4,500 | $0 | - | ||
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100106 H04 IVB | 05/19/1992 | 05/22/1992 | $4,500 | $4,500 | $0 | - | ||
| 4. | 01004 | Serious | 19100106 H07 I | 05/19/1992 | 05/22/1992 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $0 | - | ||
| 5. | 01005 | Serious | 19100147 C04 II | 05/19/1992 | 10/12/1992 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 6. | 01006 | Serious | 19100212 A04 | 05/19/1992 | 05/22/1992 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $0 | - |
Investigation Summary
On March 13, 1992, Employee #1 was removing toluene from a sodium phenate slurry by centrifugation. The employee was looking through a sight glass on the cover of the centrifuge while filling it. Toluene vapors were ignited and the overpressure threw the centrifuge cover off and into the head of the employee, knocking him backward. He struck his head and died of head trauma. An investigation revealed that a nitrogen line, used to inert the centrifuge, had been closed. Without the nitrogen, an explosive mixture was formed and ignited, most probably by static electricity generated by the filling and spinning action of the centrifuge.
Keywords: HEAD, STATIC ELECTRICITY, COVER, FLAMMABLE VAPORS, WORK RULES, TOLUENE, EXPLOSION, VALVE, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100972637 | Fatality | Concussion | Occupation not reported |