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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 120000906 - Scripps Research Institute
Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office
Site Address:
Scripps Research Institute
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd #169
San Diego, CA 92037
Mailing Address:
10550 N Torrey Pines Rd #169, La Jolla, CA 92037
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:8733
NAICS: 0
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Health
Close Conference: 09/13/1995
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 06/04/1997
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 362249302 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $7,500 | $0 | $0 | $150 | $0 | $7,650 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,650 | $0 | $1,650 |
| 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 | 342 A | 09/13/1995 | 09/13/1995 | $150 | $150 | $0 | - | ||
| 2. | 02001 | Other | 3383 B | 09/13/1995 | 10/12/1995 | $750 | $3,750 | $0 | 10/04/1995 | J - ALJ Decision | |
| 3. | 03001 | Other | 5167 A | 09/13/1995 | 10/12/1995 | $750 | $3,750 | $0 | 10/04/1995 | J - ALJ Decision |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 15, 1995, Employee #1, a chemist, was working in a research laboratory with lithium aluminum hydride and other chemicals under a laboratory hood. Lithium aluminum hydride is a pyrophoric compound and is especially hazardous due to its extremely flammable/explosive properties. After some preliminary trial runs, Employee #1 scaled up the quantity of reagents, including lithium aluminum hydride, in the chemical reaction under study, but he did not use shielding or appropriate protective clothing. For some reason, he lost control of the reaction and an explosion/fire resulted. Employee #1 was struck by glass from the shattered reaction vessel and was thrown back by the force of the explosion. His flammable clothing caught fire and was eventually extinguished by his lab partner, but not before he sustained burns over 25 percent of his body. Employee #1 required hospitalization.
Keywords: BURN, BROKEN GLASS, PPE, WORK RULES, FIRE, EXPLOSION, CHEMICAL REACTION, PROCESS SAFETY, TESTING LAB, LOST CONTROL
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 120000906 | Hospitalized injury | Burn/Scald(Heat) | Chemists, except biochemists |