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

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 are free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to chemical burns from acid splashes: a) Mixing area - On or about 10/1/98, an employee was making HO-68 and was using an Ingersoll-Rand/ARO Corporation 1/2 inch diaphragm pump transferring 70 hydrofluoric acid from a 55 gallon drum into tank MO-13. The pump suction and discharge hoses consisted of Clearflo PVC tubing with PVC fittings attached to the tubing by stainless steel clamps. The pump discharge line came apart at the PVC connection and 70hydrofluoric acid splashed the employee on the ear, face, scalp, and legs. Another employee turned off the pump and was splashed on the face and arm with 70hydrofluoric acid. These employees received first and/or second degree chemical burns. The diaphragm pump, Clearflo PVC tubing, and PVC fittings were not appropriate for use with 70hydrofluoric acid. AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO: 1) Use a pump, tubing, and fittings that are compatible when transferring concentrated (70) hydrofluoric acid based upon the manufacturers' recommendations. NO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREDATION