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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 112128152 - Lonza Corporation
Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office
Site Address:
Lonza Corporation
20851 S Santa Fe Ave
Carson, CA 90810
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:2899
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 04/05/1994
Planning Guide: Health-Manufacturing
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 09/05/1996
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 361413610 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Current Violations | ||||||
| Initial Penalty | $10,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,000 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | Other | 3310 D | 04/05/1994 | 04/28/1994 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $0 | 04/28/1994 | J - ALJ Decision | Citation has been deleted. |
| 2. | 02001 | Other | 3382 A | 04/05/1994 | 04/28/1994 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $0 | 04/28/1994 | J - ALJ Decision | Citation has been deleted. |
Investigation Summary
On January 12, 1994, Employee #1 was preparing a batch of Pegosperse 50MS (emulsifier) in vessel C-2. Upon completion of product, the quality control lab reported that the pH was too high and the Pegosperse 50MS needed to be bleached. Employee #1 started the bleaching process by adding sodium chlorite 31 percent solution to the mixture, starting a nitrogen sparge, and waiting for 1 1/2 hours before adding sodium borohydride. Employee #1 had reached the step of adding the sodium borohydride when he decided to relieve the pressure in the vessel by opening the valve used to introduce sodium chlorite. As he opened the valve, sodium chlorite (liquid) residue discharged, spraying the grating and the plastic bucket which contained sodium borohydride. The sodium borohydride reacted with the sodium chlorite, producing hydrogen gas which flashed into Employee #1's face. He was wearing splash goggles as face and eye protection. The flash caught him in the face, and his entire face sustained second-degree burns. Fellow operators called the Long Beach Fire Department who brought Employee #1 to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center where he was admitted.
Keywords: HYDROGEN, PPE, WORK RULES, FIRE, CHEMICAL REACTION, VALVE, CHEMICAL BURN, PROCESS SAFETY, FACE, ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 112128152 | Hospitalized injury | Burn(Chemical) | Occupation not reported |