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Accident Report Detail

Accident: 723635 - Employees Overcome During Ammonia Leak

Accident: 723635 -- Report ID: 0521700 -- Event Date: 09/08/1992
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10344942709/09/19922013Carl Buddig & Co. Inc.
On September 8, 1992, the media reported to the Calumet City area office that an anhydrous ammonia leak had occurred in a meat processing and packing plant. Employees #1 through #18, who were working in the production department, were overcome by ammonia gas from a ruptured valve gasket in the compressor room. Eleven employees were sent to the hospital; seven employees were treated on site by EMTs. Two employees lost consciousness and 16 employees complained of headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The valve and gasket were manufactured by Refrigerating Specialties of Broadview, IL, and were part of the plant's refrigeration and cooling system. The gasket ruptured because a bolt that holds the valve and gasket in place was sheared off.
Keywords: leak, unconsciousness, gasket, headache, inhalation, nausea, rupture, anhydrous ammonia, dizziness, valve
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
2 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
3 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
4 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
5 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
6 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
7 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
8 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
9 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
10 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
11 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
12 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
13 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
14 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
15 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
16 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
17 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported
18 103449427 Non Hospitalized injury Asphyxia Occupation not reported

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