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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 123619132 - Quest Separation Technology
Inspection Information - Office: Houston South Area Office
Site Address:
Quest Separation Technology
12500 Bay Area Blvd
Pasadena, TX 77507
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:2869
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 12/20/1999
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 03/12/2001
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 360975312 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Current Violations | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $10,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,500 |
| Current Penalty | $10,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,500 |
| 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 | 19100106 E01 | 01/31/2000 | 02/25/2000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 | 02/23/2000 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100132 A | 01/31/2000 | 02/17/2000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 | 02/23/2000 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100132 D01 | 01/31/2000 | 03/17/2000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $0 | 02/23/2000 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 4. | 01004 | Serious | 19101200 H03 III | 01/31/2000 | 02/10/2000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 | 02/23/2000 | J - ALJ Decision |
Investigation Summary
Employee #1 and a coworker were loading DTBP (Di-Tertiary Butyl Peroxide) into a charge header by way of an air-powered positive-displacement pump. During the course of this operation a leak formed in the steel hose connection or at the valve resulting in DTBP being released into the atmosphere. The coworker observed a clear white liquid pouring out of the valve located directly (within 1 foot) in front of him while Employee #1 was approximately 10 ft away from him operating the pump. They had just gotten the pump primed and had started pumping into the line when this leak began. DTBP vaporizes quickly under atmospheric conditions, is heavier then air and has a flash point of only 48 degrees Fahrenheit. DTBP is in the peroxide family and will produce its own oxygen to expedite a fire or an explosion. Warnings about this product state that it should not be heated, put into hot reactors, etc. Two other coworkers were in the area at the time of the incident. The other coworkers were in the process of using a steam lance for a cleaning operation, when the first coworker turned and observed a spray of liquid coming from the hose connection. The coworker observed Employee #1 reaching to the drums and closing the stinger that was put into the drum to draw the DTBP out. The coworker then observed Employee #1 reaching toward the pump when the drums blew up. The coworker started running away from the scene to the east and saw Employee #1 running the same direction. The coworker helped Employee #1 to a chemical shower, put water on him and then helped him escape to a safer location. During this time other explosions occurred. Employee #1 suffered second-and-third-degree burns over approximately ninety percent of his body. Employee #1 died two days later.
Keywords: BURN, LEAK, HEAT, FIRE, EXPLOSION, PUMP, CHEMICAL
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 123619132 | Fatality | Burn/Scald(Heat) | Chemical technicians |