Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 694216 - EMPLOYEE DIED WHILE CLEANING TANK CONTAINING FREON 113
Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
---|---|---|---|---|
3336617 | 11/24/1986 | 3764 | 0 | Atlantic Research Corporation |
Abstract: THREE MEN FROM THE AFTERNOON CREW WERE ASSIGNED TO CLEAN A VAPOR/ULTRASONIC DEGREASING TANK. THE THREE WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE CLEANING PROCEDURES, SO THEY OBTAINED A COPY OF THE CLEANING PROCEDURES, THEN PROCEEDED TO PUMP THE SOLVENT INTO FIFTY-FIVE GALLON DRUMS. THE CHEMICAL NAME FOR THE SOLVENT USED IN THE DEGREASER IS 1,1,2 TRICHLORO-1,2,2 TRIFLUOROETHANE, (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS FREON 113). THE TANK WAS DRAINED UNTIL ONLY APPROXIMATELY ONE GALLON OF THE SOLVENT REMAINED. THEY THEN DECIDED TO BREAK FOR LUNCH. ON THEIR WAY BACK FROM LUNCH THEY MET EMPLOYEE #1, WHO WAS FAMILIAR WITH SOLVENT RECOVERY AND CLEANING OF THE DEGREASER. HE VOLUNTEERED TO GO BACK TO THE DEGREASER AND HELP. THE EMPLOYEES HAD OBTAINED RAGS TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM OF THE DEGREASER. SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING THE TANK, THE MEN EXPERIENCED BREATHING PROBLEMS AND CLIMBED OUT. EMPLOYEE #1 COLLAPSED AND FELL TO THE FLOOR. THE AUTOPSY LISTED THE CAUSE OF DEATH AS FREON (1,1,2 TRICHLORO-1,2,2, TRIFLUORO ETHANE) POISONING.
Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3336617 | Fatality | Poisoning(Systemic) | Occupation not reported |