Translate
Inspection Detail
Inspection: 102531159 - Koppers Industries, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Chicago South Area Office
Site Address:
Koppers Industries, Inc.
3900 South Laramie Avenue
Cicero, IL 60650
Mailing Address:
3900 South Laramie Avenue, Stickney, IL 60650
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:2861
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 02/15/1994
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 06/13/1994
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 360966212 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 5 | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||
| Current Violations | 5 | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||
| Initial Penalty | $18,500 | $0 | $12,500 | $0 | $0 | $31,000 |
| Current Penalty | $16,000 | $0 | $7,500 | $0 | $0 | $23,500 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 19100134 C | 03/09/1994 | 05/14/1994 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 2. | 01002A | Serious | 19100134 E03 | 03/09/1994 | 04/11/1994 | $7,000 | $7,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 3. | 01002B | Serious | 19101200 H02 III | 03/09/1994 | 03/17/1994 | $0 | $0 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 4. | 01003 | Serious | 19100134 E05 I | 03/09/1994 | 05/14/1994 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 5. | 01004 | Serious | 19100134 E05 II | 03/09/1994 | 06/11/1994 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 6. | 01005 | Serious | 19101200 H02 II | 03/09/1994 | 04/04/1994 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 7. | 02001 | Repeat | 19100134 B07 | 03/09/1994 | 03/14/1994 | $7,500 | $12,500 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 8. | 03001 | Other | 19100027 D01 V | 03/09/1994 | 03/14/1994 | $0 | $0 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 9. | 03002 | Other | 19100134 F02 IV | 03/09/1994 | 03/14/1994 | $0 | $0 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
On November 29, 1993, Employees #1 and #2, mechanics at Kopper's Industries, Stickney, IL, had ascended a coal tar pitch distillation unit to open a manway. The mechanics were to remove all but four bolts on each of three manways. The last four bolts were to be removed by another crew at which time air-supplied respirators were to be used. Apparently, Employees #1 and #2 decided to remove more than the usual number of bolts, causing the manway gasket seal to break open and emit hydrogen sulfide gas. The mechanics were not wearing respirators at the time nor were respirators in their possession. Both mechanics were overcome by the hydrogen sulfide gas, asphyxiating Employee #1 and rendering Employee #2 unconscious. In the rescue attempt, Employees #3 through #6, the rescuers, became ill from the gas due to lack of proper respirators and possibly from improper use of respirators. Employees #1 through #6 were taken by paramedics to the hospital: Employee #1 was dead on arrival. The remaining employees were hospitalized overnight; one employee remained for several days. The investigation revealed improper procedure by Employees #1 and #2.
Keywords: ASPHYXIATED, HYDROGEN SULFIDE, WORK RULES, TOXIC ATMOSPHERE, INHALATION, OVEREXPOSURE, RESPIRATOR
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 102531159 | Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 102531159 | Hospitalized injury | Asphyxia | Occupation not reported | ||
| 3 | 102531159 | Fatality | Asphyxia | Occupation not reported | ||
| 4 | 102531159 | Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 5 | 102531159 | Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Occupation not reported | ||
| 6 | 102531159 | Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Occupation not reported |