Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: CHEMICAL

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that the employees were exposed to severe chemical burns and/or death from Nitric Acid spills: WAREHOUSE: Nitric acids were transferred from the TILX-200103 rail car through a pumping station and various piping systems to the 63-41 storage trailer in the outside the plant, and the piping systems were not equipped with positive safety devices to prevent the employees from severe chemical burns and/or death due to chemical over flowing or leaks during the transferring process. On or about 01/12/2007, a "manually" controlled "cross over" close/open valve for the above "day tank" was slightly left open, causing the day tank over filled with Nitric Acid, and one of employees was splashed with the acid. The employee sustained severe chemical burns to both legs, shoulders, and his face from the incident. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard is to: 1. Install automatic shut off devices at the cross over valves in conjunction with high liquid level indicators on the day/storage tanks and trailers. 2. Establish and implement written procedures for transferring of chemicals by means of utilizing pneumatic force. 3. Install high liquid level alarm devices on all fill and storage tanks. 4. Properly secure the closing of the valve(s) on the rail cars prior to transporting the chemical(s) to the pumping station. 5. Perform periodic inspections and maintenance on the mechanical integrity of the tanks, piping systems (including the valves), relief and vent systems and devices, emergency shutdown systems, controls, and pumps. 6. Train employees on the established procedures and perform evaluations for competencies. 7. Utilize other available and feasible engineering technologies.