Translate
Inspection Detail
Inspection: 111971123 - Irvine Medical Center
Inspection Information - Office: Santa Ana District Office
Site Address:
Irvine Medical Center
16200 Sand Canyon Ave
Irvine, CA 92718
Mailing Address:
, , 00000
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:8062
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 07/28/1992
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 02/01/1994
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 361263957 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,500 | $0 | $2,500 |
| Current Penalty | $2,000 | $0 | $0 | $500 | $0 | $2,500 |
| 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 | Other | 5220 M01 | 01/18/1991 | 01/28/1991 | $500 | $500 | $0 | 02/22/1991 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 2. | 02001 | Serious | 5220 G B | 01/18/1991 | 02/05/1991 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $0 | 02/22/1991 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 3. | 03001 | Other | 5220 J03A | 01/18/1991 | 01/25/1991 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 02/22/1991 | W - Empr Withdrew |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 3:00 p.m. on November 20, 1990, Employees #1 and #2 were changing the ethylene oxide (EtO) supply cylinders in the central supply room. The cylinders contained EtO/freon mixtures under pressure at a ratio of 12 to 88. The cylinders were connected through a valve to a supply line to another valve system, and then to the sterilization chamber. Employee #1 disconnected the supply line from an ethylene oxide cylinder without properly venting the system. Employees #1 and #2 heard hissing sounds coming from the lines, and the EtO gas leak tester that Employee #2 carried sounded a pulsating alarm when the dual set-point system went off, indicating more than 30 ppm EtO in the air. Employees #1 and #2 received medical treatment that day, and again two days later after experiencing shortness of breath, eye and upper respiratory system irritation, mouth blisters, and headaches. Employee #1 was off work for 2 days because of the incident. Employees #1 and #2 had not been given adequate training in the handling of ethylene oxide cylinders. A coworker who regularly changed the EtO cylinders was not available on the day of the accident.
Keywords: EYE, VAPOR, ETHYLENE OXIDE, INHALATION, GAS, RESPIRATORY TRACT, CHEMICAL VAPOR, POISONING, UNTRAINED, ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 111971123 | Non Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Heating, air conditioning, and refrig. mechanics | ||
| 2 | 111971123 | Non Hospitalized injury | Poisoning(Systemic) | Heating, air conditioning, and refrig. mechanics |