Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307091744 - Allegheny Technologies Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Or-E-Portland - Safety 1 1054111

Investigation Summary

X Company Name: Oremet-Wah Chang, an Allegheny Teledyne Company X D.B.A.: Oremet-Wah Chang X Inspection Number: 307091744 X Optional Report Number: X6289-012-04 Opening: An accident investigation inspection was opened with Wah Chang on 2/10/04. Health Compliance Officer Chris Zimmer conducted the opening conference with Michael Vancorbach, Randy Scheel, James Denham, and Larry Schmale as per the opening conference checklist. The inspection took place at 1600 Old Salem Road, NE, Albany, Oregon. The inspection issues related to a fatality and subsequent accident investigation at Beall Transportation. Company and Inspection Data: Wah Chang is familiar with OR-OSHA, has been inspected many times, and has a large safety and health program. Wah-Chang produces one of the world's largest manufacturers of specialty metals and chemicals, used in energy production, chemical and mineral processing, aerospace, medical, research and consumer products. Wah Chang materials include hafnium, niobium, titanium, vanadium, zirconium, silicon tetrachloride, and zirconium and hafnium chemicals. This inspection was related to the silicon tetrachloride, which is produced at the Albany Wah Chang Plant. This chemical is extremely dangerous. The chemical is used in many processes and industries. The main industry that purchases tanks full of silicon tetrachloride is the telecommunication industry. The tanks, which carry the silicon tetrachloride, must be tested and re-certified on a regular and scheduled basis. Several of the tanks were sent to Beall Transportation in Portland, OR and resulted in an employee fatality, while inspecting the interior of this tank. An in-depth and complete inspection was conducted to determine compliance with the applicable standards enforced by OR-OSHA. During the employer and employee interview process, records review, and walk-around investigation of the relevant areas, it was determined that no violations existed. Additionally, Wah Chang had taken adequate steps to inform Beall Transportation of the hazards that exist inside silicon tetrachloride tanks and precautions, which must be taken before entering. Closing: A closing conference was conducted over the phone with employer representative D. Brad Tullis, the Health and Safety Director of Wah Chang, on 6/30/04 as per the closing conference checklist.

Keywords: ASPHYXIATED, INHALATION, TANK, CHEST, CONFINED SPACE, GAS, CHEMICAL