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

Section 50-9-5(A), NMSA 1978 (New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Act): Every employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. Employees are exposed to hazards associated with mixing incompatible chemicals during hazardous chemical transfer duties. Employees make chemical transfers throughout the water and wastewater treatment plants. On the date of the accident, August 6, 1999, sodium hypochlorite was transferred into a 2,200 gallon tank which was contaminated with pHAIRWAY fertilizer, an incompatible chemical. The employer was aware of the hazard (notification by Site Safety Coordinator and availability of MSDS), however, the sodium hypochlorite transfer proceeded. The addition of sodium hypochlorite to pHAIRWAY fertilizer resulted in an eruption of the tank and the release of the hazardous chemical, sodium hypochlorite. The release of the chemical seriously injured three employees and killed a fourth employee. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to provide employees with written work site specific safety/health program which must include the following, at a minimum: 1.A safety and health risk or hazard analysis for hazardous tasks to be performed on work sites. This may include information such as hazardous chemicals on site and incompatible materials in proximity; 2.Procedures to follow and materials to be used when conducting hazardous duties. This may include information such as using non contaminated and/or a new holding tank when performing a hazardous chemical transfer; 3.A list of personal protective equipment to use when performing hazardous duties; and 4.A set of training issues that are to be given to employees that cover work site hazards. Date Corrected Describe Corrective Action :