Inspection Detail

Inspection: 111908125 - Sunsweet Growers Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Redding District Office

Inspection Nr: 111908125

Report ID: 0950623

Date Opened: 05/01/1992

Site Address:
Sunsweet Growers Inc
901 N. Walton
Yuba City, CA 95991

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 232, Yuba City, CA 95992

Union Status: Union

SIC:2034

NAICS: 0

Inspection Type: Accident

Scope: Partial

Advanced Notice: N

Ownership: Private

Safety/Health: Health

Close Conference: 05/01/1992

Emphasis:

Case Closed: 05/05/1992

Related Activity
Type	Activity Nr	Safety	Health
Accident	361356785

Investigation Summary

Investigation Nr: 170697809

Event: 02/25/1992

Employee inhales chlorine gas after mixing up chemicals

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

Investigated Inspection
#	Inspection	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	111908125			Non Hospitalized injury	Other	Supervisors; handlers,equip-cleaners,laborers nec

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