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Accident: 170697809 - Employee Inhales Chlorine Gas After Mixing Up Chemicals

Accident: 170697809 -- Report ID: 0950623 -- Event Date: 02/25/1992
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
11190812505/01/19922034Sunsweet Growers Inc
On February 25, 1992, Employee #1, of Sunsweet Growers, Inc., was cleaning equipment using various acids, caustics, and sanitizers. At 11:08, he attempted to fill a portable tank with phosphoric acid, which would be used to clean stainless steel work surfaces and pipes. By his own admission, Employee #1 neglected to read the label on the bulk storage tanks and mistakenly put sodium hypochlorite in the portable tank instead of phosphoric acid. A chemical reaction occurred that created chlorine gas. Employee #1 inhaled a small amount of the gas before escaping to a nearby eyewash/shower facility to rinse his eyes, face, and mouth. Employee #1 was taken to a local hospital for examination, then released. No permanent health damage occurred. The company was not found in violation of any industry requirements. The employee failed to follow guidelines and instructions provided through proper hazard communication training and postings around the work site.
Keywords: sodium hypochlorite, work rules, cleaning, inhalation, phosphoric acid, chlorine, chemical reaction, inattention
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 111908125 Non Hospitalized injury Other Supervisors; handlers,equip-cleaners,laborers nec

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