Powered by GoogleTranslate

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA

Contact Us FAQ A to Z Index English Español

Return to Accident Search Results

Accident Report Detail

Accident: 170591689 - Employee Injured By Release Of Chlorine In Face

Accident: 170591689 -- Report ID: 0950633 -- Event Date: 04/28/1995
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
11989522504/28/19954952Dyncorp
At 8:45 a.m. on February 24, 1995, Employee #1 was attempting to open the regulator valve of a 1-ton cylinder of chlorine during routine maintenance. As he did so, the valve on a second 1-ton cylinder either malfunctioned or was accidentally opened due to human error, causing liquid and gaseous chlorine to spray in Employee #1's face. He threw himself backward to avoid the spewing gas, but then held his breath and reentered the area twice before succeeding in shutting off the valve. He attempted to radio the Fire Department but was unsuccessful because it was on a different frequency. Employee #1 began to suffer tightness in his chest and he waved to a coworker, who summoned the Fire Department. Employee #1 was administered oxygen and transported to Walter Reed Army Hospital, from which he was immediately transferred to Victor Valley Hospital, Victorville, CA. He was diagnosed with an acute bronchial spasm triggered by his existing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and severe hypoxia.
Keywords: maintenance, work rules, inhalation, chlorine, respiratory tract, valve, chemical vapor, toxic fumes, accidental discharge, mech malfunction
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 119895225 Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Water and sewage treatment plant operators

Thank You for Visiting Our Website

You are exiting the Department of Labor's Web server.

The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.

Close