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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 119675148 - Holchem Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Oakland District Office
Site Address:
Holchem Inc.
751 - 105th Ave.
Oakland, CA 94603
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:5169
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 04/16/1999
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 10/20/1999
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 361629496 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Current Violations | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $935 | $0 | $0 | $250 | $0 | $1,185 |
| Current Penalty | $935 | $0 | $0 | $250 | $0 | $1,185 |
| 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 | 461 A | 04/16/1999 | 07/15/1999 | $250 | $250 | $0 | A - Amendment | ||
| 2. | 01002 | Other | 3203 B02 | 04/16/1999 | 05/10/1999 | $0 | $0 | $0 | - | ||
| 3. | 02001 | Serious | 5164 A | 04/16/1999 | 07/15/1999 | $935 | $935 | $0 | A - Amendment |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 3:00 p.m. on July 22, 1998, Employee #1 was assigned to fill two totes (200 and 300 gallons) with sodium hypochlorite solution from the bulk tank (6000 gallon) by the lead warehouseman. Employee #1 initiated filling the totes in the recessed spill collection area ("pit") adjacent to the bulk sodium hypochlorite tank. Employee #1 stated that he filled the smaller tote first, and began filling the second. The bulk tank was emptied to a point where gravity was not sufficient, so the employee the set up of a pump to continue pulling liquid. This was a common procedure. Employee #1 stated that he asked the lead warehouseman or the operations manager if he should use the green pump and the hose lying on the pump located in the warehouse. Employee #1 was given permission to use the "green" pump which was designated for use with sodium hypochlorite solutions. However, the operations manager and lead warehouseman stated Employee #1 set up the yellow pump designated for use with bleach. Employee #1 noted that the pump he pulled had a bleach odor before he connected it to use. Employee #1 did not feel this was unusual, as the pump was used in the morning by a driver to dispense bleach. According to the Employee #1, the two ends of the hose were connected (male to female) and clasped. Employee#1 removed the clasp connecting the ends and attempted to separate the ends by hand but could not. Employee #1 placed the hose under his right arm, and pulled the ends away from each other (female end in left hand). The ends separated and Employee #1 immediately perceived a burning sensation down his throat. Employee #1 stated that he did not feel any spray or wetness, nor did he observe a liquid release, or perceive odors. Employee #1 stated he was not able to breathe or talk, and that he fell to the ground, and continued coughing for approximately 15 minutes. The operations manager discovered Employee #1 when he came out to the pit area from the office to investigate the coughing. There were no other witnesses to the incident. Employee #1 suffered acute toxic inhalation and acute airway edema, and was hospitalized for his injuries.
Keywords: RESPIRATORY, BLEACH, HOSE, CHLORINE, TOXIC FUMES, CHEMICAL
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 119675148 | Hospitalized injury | Other | Freight, stock and material handlers, n.e.c. |