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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 317696854 - Solarworld Industries America Inc
Inspection Information - Office: Or-E-Portland - Safety 1 1054111
Site Address:
Solarworld Industries America Inc
25300 Nw Evergreen Rd
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Mailing Address:
David Carroll Hse Manager 25300 Nw Evergreen Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Union Status: Union
SIC:1711
NAICS: 238220/ Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 07/23/2014
Planning Guide: Health-Manufacturing
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 12/17/2014
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $2,700 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,700 |
| Current Penalty | $600 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $600 |
| 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 | 701076001 A | 08/08/2014 | 09/08/2014 | $300 | $2,100 | $0 | 09/04/2014 | L - State Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 19100146 C01 | 08/08/2014 | 09/08/2014 | $300 | $300 | $0 | 09/04/2014 | L - State Settlement | |
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100134 D01 I | 08/08/2014 | 09/08/2014 | $0 | $300 | $0 | 09/04/2014 | L - State Settlement |
Investigation Summary
On April 15, 2014, Employee #1, a maintenance technician employed by Solarworld Industries America Inc., and Coworker #1, a tool operator in the plant's fabrication area, were working at the employer's solar cell manufacturing facility. Coworker #1 had submitted a work order to repair a leak of liquid hydrofluoric acid (HF). HF is used in the manufacture of solar cells in a process similar to that for making semiconductor wafers. The acid runs through double-contained plastic pipes that travel through a maintenance tunnel under the production floor, referred to as the Sub-Fab. There are low point drain boxes (liquid traps) at various points in the system to enclose valves. These drain boxes have sensors connected to alarms. A leak sensor on one of the low point drain boxes (#3CVB-310-2-6) in the Sub-Fab alerted Coworker #1 to a leak in the HF piping system. Coworker #1 tracked the leak and submitted a work order for the needed repair. Employee #1 arrived to perform the repair. Coworker #1 led Employee #1 to the leaking drain box and then moved out of the way. Employee #1 attempted to tighten the fittings on the valves within the drain box. He determined that the threads were stripped on one of the fittings. As Employee #1 tightened the fitting, acid sprayed out, some spraying onto his face shield and one of his gloves. Employee #1 was not wearing a respirator, and he stated that he could taste the acid, which would suggest that some of the acid sprayed under his face shield. Coworker #1 was standing far enough away that he avoided contact with the spray. Employee #1 exited the area and removed his gloves. He had no noticeable skin burns on his hands or face and no other symptoms. However, several hours later, delayed symptoms commenced. Employee #1 began vomiting and experiencing respiratory irritation and distress. Emergency services were called, and Employee #1 was transported to the hospital, where he was admitted and treated for systemic chemical poisoning. He remained hospitalized for several days. This event was investigated by Oregon OSHA.
Keywords: LEAK, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, HYDROFLUORIC ACID, CONSTRUCTION, RESPIRATORY TRACT, VALVE, CHEMICAL BURN, POISONING, VOMIT
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 317696854 | Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Machinery maintenance occupations |