Inspection Detail

Inspection: 17623802 - International Paper

Inspection Information - Office: Wilkes Barre Area Office

Inspection Nr: 17623802

Report ID: 0317700

Date Opened: 06/30/1994

Site Address:
International Paper
South Highland Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745

Mailing Address:
P O Box 268, Lock Haven, PA 17745

Union Status: NonUnion

SIC:2621

NAICS: 0

Inspection Type: Accident

Scope: Partial

Advanced Notice: N

Ownership: Private

Safety/Health: Health

Close Conference: 06/30/1994

Emphasis:

Case Closed: 08/02/1994

Related Activity
Type	Activity Nr	Safety	Health
Accident	360900286

Investigation Summary

Investigation Nr: 14544647

Event: 06/01/1994

Employee inadvertently generates chlorine gas

Employee #1 was assigned to neutralize a 5 percent aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite with sodium thiosulfate. The procedure required first mixing the powdered sodium thiosulfate with water and then adding the resulting mixture to the sodium hypochlorite. Employee #1 skipped the water mixing step to save time and dumped the powdered sodium thiosulfate directly in the sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine gas was generated from the reaction, and Employee #1 was hospitalized. Employee #1 performs normal chemical mixing and had been provided information and training on associated chemicals. The chemical mixture is used as a biocide and not for paper bleaching.

Keywords: SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE, WORK RULES, CHLORINE, CHEMICAL REACTION, CHEMICAL VAPOR, PROCESS SAFETY, TOXIC FUMES

Investigated Inspection
#	Inspection	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	17623802			Hospitalized injury	Asphyxia	Occupation not reported

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