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 employees were exposed to severe burns and trauma from the hazards of chemical fires and explosions. Reactor Room: On or about 9/14/95, an employee was pouring Lithium Aluminum Hydride (LAH) from a plastic bag through a four inch opening into a fifty gallon reactor. An expulsion of gas and/or vapor caused the bag to inflate, startling the employee. LAH was spilled down the side of the reactor and onto the floor coming into contact with water. Once the LAH came into contact with the water, a violent reaction took place, igniting the LAH. The fire followed the trail of LAH up to the bag causing a flash fire/explosion, exposing employees to fire hazards. One feasible method of abatement, among others, would be: 1. Addition of the Lithium Aluminum Hydride into the reactor in a more controlled manner, ie pellets or soluble bags containing the LAH. 2. Control of potential sources of ignition for the Lithium Aluminum Hydride; ensure that the LAH does not come into contact with water.