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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 102932647 - Merck & Company, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Allentown Area Office
Site Address:
Merck & Company, Inc.
770 Sumneytown Pike
West Point, PA 19486
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4, Wp20-205, West Point, PA 19486
Union Status: Union
SIC:2834
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 05/01/1992
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 11/18/1992
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 360917868 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Current Violations | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Initial Penalty | $2,250 | $70,000 | $0 | $1,000 | $0 | $73,250 |
| Current Penalty | $1,125 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $56,875 | $59,000 |
| 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. | 01001A | Serious | 19100147 C06 I | 06/15/1992 | 06/29/1992 | $1,125 | $2,250 | $0 | 07/07/1992 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 2. | 01001B | Serious | 19100147 C07 I | 06/15/1992 | 06/29/1992 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 07/07/1992 | F - Formal Settlement | Citation has been deleted. |
| 3. | 02001 | Unclass | 5A0001 | 06/15/1992 | 07/15/1992 | $56,875 | $70,000 | $0 | 07/07/1992 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 4. | 03001 | Other | 19040005 C | 06/15/1992 | 06/22/1992 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 | 07/07/1992 | F - Formal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
Employees #1 and #2 were assigned to unload an autoclave. While Employee #2's back was to the autoclave, Employee #1 opened it while it was still under pressure. A number of safety mechanisms failed, including the locking ram, which prevents the door from being opened: it was incorrectly covered. The microswitch designed to shut the steam off when the ram does not engage malfunctioned. A strainer was missing from the drain line, allowing a bottle stopper to plug the drain. A drain temperature probe that could heat detect actual temperature failed, and the unit remained indefinitely under pressure. Finally, the computer failed to abort the cycle when sterilization levels were not reached within a predetermined time. Employee #1 was pronounced dead at the scene. Employee #2 sustained lower back injuries from being struck in the back by carts in the area.
Keywords: INADEQUATE MAINT, WORK RULES, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, BACK, HIGH PRESSURE, STRUCK BY, ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE, MECH MALFUNCTION
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 102932647 | Fatality | Fracture | Occupation not reported | ||
| 2 | 102932647 | Hospitalized injury | Bruise/Contus/Abras | Occupation not reported |