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

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 are exposed to toxic gases such as chlorine generated from the accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals. Containment dike(s) in K-PAC for six (6) 2,000 gallon tanks of lactic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium hydroxide-based alkaline cleaner, had opening(s) allowing any spilled chemicals to drain to a common sewer line originating from the offal/tripe area of the facility. Employee exposure to these toxic gases may result in severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema or death. AMONG OTHER METHODS, FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE: 1) Fill and seal containment walls to prevent incompatible chemicals mixing in the adjacent sewer line or any location where mixing could occur. 2) Implement safeguards and protocols specific to storage spills and shared drainage points where incompatible chemicals are present. 3) Train employees with regard to chemical incompatibilities specific to those chemicals in their work areas, the nature of such a reaction, and an emergency action plan specific to the possibility of a chemical reaction. 4) Develop inspection protocols and preventative maintenance schedules to decrease the likelihood of accidental release.