Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1677467 - Refrigeration Systems Co

Inspection Information - Office: Cincinnati Area Office

Inspection Nr: 1677467

Report ID: 0522000

Date Opened: 05/04/1984

Site Address:
Refrigeration Systems Co
3955 Montgomery Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45212

Mailing Address:
1770 Genessee Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

Union Status: NonUnion

SIC:1711

NAICS: 0

Inspection Type: Unprog Rel

Scope: Partial

Advanced Notice: N

Ownership: Private

Safety/Health: Health

Close Conference: 05/08/1984

Planning Guide: Health-Construction

Emphasis:

Case Closed: 05/08/1984

Related Activity
Type	Activity Nr	Safety	Health
Referral	900547704		Yes

Investigation Summary

Investigation Nr: 14476188

Event: 05/04/1984

AMMONIA ESCAPE FROM PRESSURIZED VESSEL

A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WAS BEING INSTALLED IN A NEW WING OF THE UNITED DAIRY FORMERS PLANT IN NORWOOD, OHIO. A LEAK CHECK WAS BEING PERFORMED BY EMPLOYEE #1 ON A "LOW PRESSURE TANK" WHICH WAS FILLED WITH A MIXTURE OF AMMONIA AND AIR UNDER A PRESSURE OF 150 PSI. HE SQUIRTED A SOAP BUBBLE SOLUTION ONTO A BUTTERFLY VALVE. THIS VALVE SUDDENLY POPPED COMPLETELY OPEN. THE FORCE OF THE OUTRUSHING NOXIOUS GASES SLAMMED EMPLOYEE #1 AGAINST THE BACK OF THE ELEVATED BASKET IN WHICH HE WAS WORKING. HE CONSEQUENTLY FELL APPROMIMATELY 15 FEET ONTO A CONCRETE FLOOR, SUFFERING A BROKEN ARM, BROKEN LEG, AND OTHER INJURIES. THE OTHER 6 HOSPITALIZED EMPLOYEES SUFFERED BURNING SENSATIONS IN THE RESPIRATORY TRACT DUE TO INHALATION OF AMMONIA. THE WORKERS WERE PERFORMING ELECTRICAL WORK & OTHER DUTIES IN THE SAME SECTION OF THE BUILDING.

Keywords: BUTTERFLY VALVE, FALL, AMMONIA, INHALATION, VALVE, LEG, FRACTURE, RESPIRATORY TRACT, ARM

Investigated Inspection
#	Inspection	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	1677467	Hospitalized injury	Fracture	Occupation not reported
2	1677467	Hospitalized injury	Burn(Chemical)	Occupation not reported
3	1677467	Hospitalized injury	Burn(Chemical)	Occupation not reported

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